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
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
But a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the comment was made in jest, according to NBC News.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 3 June 2025
Promise to end Ukraine war in 24 hours was ‘in jest’
After pledging throughout his 2024 campaign to end the Russia-Ukraine war before even taking office, or within 24 hours of starting his term, Trump is nearing the end of his first 100 days without a breakthrough.
—Julia Mueller, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump has floated the idea of running for a third term, sometimes seemingly in jest.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in jest
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C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
But a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the comment was made in jest, according to NBC News.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 3 June 2025
Promise to end Ukraine war in 24 hours was ‘in jest’
After pledging throughout his 2024 campaign to end the Russia-Ukraine war before even taking office, or within 24 hours of starting his term, Trump is nearing the end of his first 100 days without a breakthrough.
—Julia Mueller, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump has floated the idea of running for a third term, sometimes seemingly in jest.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 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 19 Jun. 2025.
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