jolly 1 of 3

1
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor an especially jolly crowd of well-wishers at their wedding reception

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses we always have a jolly time at their seaside cottage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jolly

2 of 3

adverb

jolly

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective jolly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jolly are blithe, jocund, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

Where would blithe be a reasonable alternative to jolly?

In some situations, the words blithe and jolly are roughly equivalent. However, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When is it sensible to use jocund instead of jolly?

Although the words jocund and jolly have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When could jovial be used to replace jolly?

The synonyms jovial and jolly are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When is merry a more appropriate choice than jolly?

The words merry and jolly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jolly
Adjective
Lily Mathé, one of the orchestra’s best violinists, vividly remembered being made to play jolly tunes in the SS officers’ mess at Auschwitz every evening while the guards ate their dinner. Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025 Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
The Broncos are having a jolly old romp in England this week, with Denver making its second visit for a game in the United Kingdom in the last four years. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2025 The 8-foot display has built-in LED lights, so passersby can enjoy looking at his holly jolly smile throughout the night. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
This isn’t a report by the fun police: Twelfth Night is bursting with life and humor and should by no means be a moody slog, but Ali’s production is too intent on jollying us along. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025 Director Nisha Ganatra jollies it along, with editor Eleanor Infante making as much rhythmic sense of the mix-ups and physical craziness as possible. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
  • Surprises are part and parcel of a horror movie, but more as jump scares or scary reveals or whatever, not a merry jaunt around another plot thread.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In the weeks that followed, the secretary also removed every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory committee, replacing them with a merry band of loyalists and skeptics.
    Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As America’s capital of both wine production and pleasant weather, California has any number of towns that capture this experience, each with distinguishing characteristics that suit different types of travelers.
    Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The hunter was supposed to be Nweeia’s main guide, and this happened on the very first day of the expedition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • There are very few people with any substance who want to run.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since posting, Astra’s story has attracted thousands of amused comments, with many followers joking about the dramatic difference between the two breeds.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The victim told police that Ising had constantly harassed him at work for two years, sitting next to him during meals and joking about his inability to eat many foods because of his medical condition.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Max out the cream cheese theme by adding swirls or dollops of rich and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (below) tinted with gel or paste food coloring in your favorite festive holiday hues.
    Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The city is a popular spot, especially around Oktoberfest and the festive season, thanks to its renowned Christmas markets.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just down the street from the colossal blue Scientology center (one of LA’s top locations for taking an ironic selfie) is Found Oyster, a delightful and perennially (pleasantly) crowded seafood restaurant inspired by clam shacks on the East Coast.
    Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to delightful dish after delightful dish, tasting menu participants have the joyful experience of choosing their own chopstick holder and steak knife.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Almeida is extremely likely to have wrestling success early in this fight, and the question becomes whether Volkov can survive and extend the matchup.
    Brett Appley, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Last offseason, the Red Sox were extremely active, trading for ace pitcher Garrett Crochet and signing All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This could make eating more enjoyable, leading to eating more.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Taking pictures can actually make an experience more enjoyable and more lasting.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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