FACETIOUS Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'facetious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of facetious are humorous , jocose , jocular , and witty . While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor. // facetious comments

Q: When is 'humorous' a more appropriate choice than 'facetious'?

The words humorous and facetious can be used in similar contexts, but humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity. // humorous anecdotes

Q: How are the words 'jocose' and 'facetious' related?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness. // jocose proposals

Q: When can 'jocular' be used instead of 'facetious'?

The synonyms jocular and facetious are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking. // a jocular fellow

Q: When could 'witty' be used to replace 'facetious'?

While the synonyms witty and facetious are close in meaning, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind. // a witty remark

facetious

adjective

fə-ˈsē-shəs

Definition of facetious

as in witty

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cute

making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred a facetious and tasteless remark about people in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word facetious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of facetious are humorous, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

When is humorous a more appropriate choice than facetious?

The words humorous and facetious can be used in similar contexts, but humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How are the words jocose and facetious related?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When can jocular be used instead of facetious?

The synonyms jocular and facetious are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When could witty be used to replace facetious?

While the synonyms witty and facetious are close in meaning, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

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 facetious That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 Since returning to the White House in January, he’s repeatedly teased the idea of running again — but, unlike his recent comments, his past remarks have appeared to be facetious. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025 Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facetious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious

Adjective

In June, Tia Williams is known for crafting fun, witty, and multidimensional characters that leap off the pages of her books and right into our hearts.

— Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 31 July 2025
Its history is woven into the community: Menus are filled with details about local attractions and the decor is filled with witty touches, including a large mural depicting famous authors.

— USA Today, USA Today, 30 July 2025