Definition of jovialnext
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 Your 11th House of Hopefulness lights up as enterprising Mars harmonizes with jovial Jupiter in your talkative 3rd house. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026 The Kansas locker room felt jovial here in San Diego — more a reflection of the initial 32 minutes than the final eight of the just-find-a-way-to-hold-on win against California Baptist — but a booming voice still pierced through the noise. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026 The jovial actor can hardly nab a bite of the restaurant’s famous cheesy garlic bread without someone asking for a selfie or sharing well wishes for the movie, which is vying for a record-breaking 16 awards at the March 15 ceremony, including best picture. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 Your 3rd House of Communication takes priority as the unconscious Moon opposes jovial Jupiter in your 9th House of Big Dreams. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jovial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jovial
Adjective
  • The neighborhood Neighboring St Moritz was adopted in the 19th century by all those jolly-hockey-stick Brits, who introduced skiing and tobogganing, but little Sils Maria has always been more cerebral.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Using Too Many Small Bins The more bins, the merrier?
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Mau's reckless band of merry men inevitably leave a trail of bodies in their wake, leading police captain Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) to investigate the criminal takeover of Janix.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • So pour yourself something festive and keep scrolling for easy ways to bring a little bit of Louisville flair to your wardrobe.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The siblings were spotted sitting near one another and chatting with other people during the festive event held in the Marble Room of Buckingham Palace.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In recent years, Grohl has been in the news for less cheerful reasons.
    Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Just take a look at how this fence mural by Sarah Murphy adds a cheerful pop of color to this outdoor space.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jovial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jovial. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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