as in jolly
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the trip to the amusement park put everyone in a jovial mood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective jovial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jovial are blithe, jocund, jolly, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

In what contexts can blithe take the place of jovial?

Although the words blithe and jovial have much in common, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When can jocund be used instead of jovial?

The synonyms jocund and jovial are sometimes interchangeable, but jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When might jolly be a better fit than jovial?

The words jolly and jovial can be used in similar contexts, but jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When could merry be used to replace jovial?

In some situations, the words merry and jovial are roughly equivalent. However, 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 jovial McAvoy turned to old friend James Corden, who rocks up as a jovial beatboxing music exec initially sceptical of Silibil N’ Brains’ real roots. Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 For a French superstar chef whose eponymous NYC restaurant has received two Michelin stars, Daniel Boulud’s demeanor is unexpectedly laid-back and jovial. Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025 The exceptional service is jovial and slick, but never obtrusive. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Diana, a jovial sixty-nine-year-old grandmother, moves Iain’s ice cream out of the freezer. Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jovial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jovial
Adjective
  • Given the economic uncertainty of inflationary pressures and tariffs, this holiday season could be a less jolly one for retailers.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There will be games, food, contests, and jolly times for all.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Instead of treats, this calendar is packed with a mix of exciting goodies like plush toys, kicker toys, balls and popular stimulants like catnip and silvervine to keep your kitty playful and merry.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Think spooky cocktails and mocktails, or a boo‑cuterie board layered with cheese, fruit, candy, and charcuterie for a festive and easy-to-assemble centerpiece.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Drape these festive tea towels over the handle of your oven or dishwasher for a pop of color and easy access to dry your hands or wipe up spills.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Companies such as OpenAI fine-tune the models behind modern chatbots not just to imitate existing writing, but to use the particularly bland and cheerful style that any chatbot user recognizes.
    Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, consider small chairs or stools that can easily be moved and/or repainted to create a cheerful gathering spot, suggests Westbrook.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jovial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jovial. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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