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

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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
The musician also passed away on Christmas Day back in 2016, so the jolly time is also somewhat somber for longtime lovers of the artist. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 The shiny, vinyl-like fabric gave the look a modern, sporty edge, tying it back to the game-day setting. Mahomes and Kelce paired the festive jolly coats with their red and white Chiefs uniforms, blending seamlessly with the football team’s signature colors. Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
Adverb
Jon Robin Baitz’s family drama is set at Christmas time but there’s very little jolly about it. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 Now would be a good time to think about her bucket list, suggests a jolly co-worker (Rosa Malagueta), who coaxes out of Tereza her greatest desire: to ride in an airplane. Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
As to the political will needed to jolly the process along, and arrange payment for those parts of the programme that will not pay for themselves, this can push both ways. The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019 So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession. Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017 See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
  • Not so merry Mary Nothing was ever easy for Mary this season.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 May 2025
  • Paul Kent and his merry musical men will be live from 7-9 p.m., Los Gatos Coffee Company, 101 W. Main St., Los Gatos.
    Jake Richardson, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But overall, this affordable bed frame offers a good mix of pleasant aesthetics and practical storage solutions.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 May 2025
  • If busier weekends someday mean parking an extra block away, that will be a pleasant problem to solve.
    Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Adverb
  • Artwork can always be colorful, even in a very neutral room.
    Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • The latest trailer was released on May 14, and it's packed with heroic vibes, jaw-dropping visuals, and what looks like a very annoyed protagonist.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Porter Township School Corporation Superintendant Stacey Schmidt joked that despite Union Township Bearcats being their arch-rivals, her community did not support a data center being thrust upon them.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • In November, Liam joked on X that Oasis had, in fact, recorded a new album.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Videos online showed the ship sailing underneath the bridge, connecting the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, as its masts, apparently strung with festive lights, collided with it.
    Gabrielle Banks, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Winning trainer: Brittany T. Russell. 2025 Preakness Day | PHOTOS Photos of horses, fans and a festive atmosphere at the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Read Next Real Estate News See delightful Fair Oaks estate built in 1901 along American River.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
  • Delight by Default Aim for pleasant surprises—fewer steps, quicker approvals, delightful interactions and unexpected efficiency.
    Sal Rehmetullah, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adverb
  • No league in the United States is more popular than the National Football League, making the schedule release an extremely exciting day for the sports world.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • While some have argued for simply adding more landers and rovers, the analyses that can be done in laboratories on Earth will provide much more information than can be obtained on Mars with in situ assets that have, of necessity, extremely limited scientific instrumentation.
    Bruce Jakosky, Space.com, 14 May 2025
Adverb
  • Listen to this article 2 min Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce will be getting his steps in after his Game 2 Celtics-Knicks prediction ended terribly for him.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
  • The Celtics are doing that and shooting terribly, following up a 25 percent 3-point shooting performance in Game 1 with a 25 percent performance in Game 2.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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