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
Relevance
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
as in very
to a great degree
I jolly well agree that you did the right thing has become a jolly careful driver since his recent accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to joke
to make jokes
spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jolly
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Set in the fictional town of Wellington-on-Sea, That Christmas centers on a small group of kids and adults, some of whom aren't exactly having a holly jolly holiday.
—Mary Sollosi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
Here’s my list of the top 12 titles in the running, starting with the one film that’s got to be feeling holly-jolly.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
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
Adjective
If your sad inflatable Santa looks more gloomy than your other jolly yard decor, chances are that no one else will want it either.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Set in the fictional town of Wellington-on-Sea, That Christmas centers on a small group of kids and adults, some of whom aren't exactly having a holly jolly holiday.
—Mary Sollosi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
Adverb
On Christmas Eve, Santa eats a jolly roll and leaps into his sleigh.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
Here’s my list of the top 12 titles in the running, starting with the one film that’s got to be feeling holly-jolly.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 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
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Besides its prominent cloud belts, Jupiter's greatest telescopic treasure are its four Galilean moons that run a merry race with each other around the planet, changing their respective positions from hour to hour and night to night.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The residents were excited to see both, but the real dog hopped down and went on its merry way, while Jennie stuck around to be snuggled.—
Rena Goldman,
EverydayHealth.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Tuesday is shaping-up to be the nicest weather day this week and possibly the most pleasant day for a while.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
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The wonders of Arenal can be enjoyed year-round, but the weather is significantly more pleasant in the dry season, which typically runs from December to April.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Start your very own love affair with Outcrease Retinol Trifecta Serum by grabbing a bottle today, and check out some of Dermelect’s other skin correcting serums and facial oils below.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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She's seen that the wasteland is a very difficult place, full of suffering.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Chalamet joked as the camera cut to O'Leary applauding boisterously.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Legislators have privately joked about keeping prospective bill ideas in their desks, waiting for Polis’ successor to enter office before dusting them off.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Reblooming amaryllis each year saves money and brings back its festive charm every season.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
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The annual Three Kings parade blessed Little Havana yet again this year with its festive attire.—
Alie Skowronski,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While a standard Whiskey Sour is a delightful experience, almost invariably mixed with bourbon and made smooth and unobjectionable with egg white, the Rattlesnake is that same framework but greener.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
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The cozy, historic tavern, complete with working fireplaces, offers a delightful four-course dinner experience, best enjoyed with the Virginia and Tavern wine pairings.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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They’re designed with roomy interiors and tons of compartments that make organizing your packing essentials extremely easy.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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Sortke 18x18-Inch Set of 2 Throw Pillow Covers This two-pack of throw pillow covers is extremely discounted right now.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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To make these journeys manageable and enjoyable, visitors must rely on local travel platforms which understand (and solve) the logistical challenges.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
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Season 2 is not without enjoyable intrigue, yet never proves worth the risk of opening a closed (literal) book.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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