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 Ubu made a surprisingly strong return with their 1988 reunion, The Tenement Year, a jovial mess that might be their warmest. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025 The jovial Francis became pope because the conservative and cerebral Benedict XVI resigned on Feb. 28, 2013. Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 The Network Brass Winnie Landell (Helen Hunt) Photo: Courtesy of Max This network executive responsible for Late Night with Deborah Vance’s success is jovial yet mean in the way that only a woman who’s worked in Hollywood for too long and has seen way too much can be. Emma Specter, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025 All that gnashing and suckling is old hat — as old as the burgundy fedora Jordan slips on when playing the more jovial of these brothers in arms. A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jovial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jovial
Adjective
  • Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • Montecito High School Para-educator Lindsay Swanson, an employee since August 2015, was praised for her passion and dedication while serving with a cheerful and positive demeanor.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • The show follows the adventures of José, a cheerful and curious character, along with his best friends —Obi, a playful rabbit, and Kim, a curious monkey.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jovial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jovial. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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