in jest
idiom
formal + old-fashioned
: as a joke
I didn't mean to upset you; I only said it in jest.
Examples of in jest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It was meant in jest, even though Leeds’ predicament at the time during the 2003-04 Premier League season was deadly serious.
—
The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
The remarks, appearing to be made in jest, came after a reporter asked the president about his administration's deportation efforts.
—Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 18 June 2025
He was met with the silent treatment in jest before being celebrated heartily in the Royals’ dugout at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
Whether in jest or earnest, some now claim the 2024-25 team is one of destiny.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in jest
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The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
The remarks, appearing to be made in jest, came after a reporter asked the president about his administration's deportation efforts.
—Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 18 June 2025
He was met with the silent treatment in jest before being celebrated heartily in the Royals’ dugout at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
Whether in jest or earnest, some now claim the 2024-25 team is one of destiny.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in jest
Cite this Entry
“In jest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20jest. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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