Definition of facetiousnext

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 His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025 Powell was, of course, being facetious, as the low-quality videos featured the actor as a teen running and jumping in the street and lip-syncing to the song while wearing a yacht captain’s hat. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025 To be facetious, how many of those people who committed mass murder in the fifth largest city in America went to death row? Dave Zirin, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025 His Ukraine rock show is as facetious as Bono’s visits to Zelenskyy, those grip-and-grin photo ops done in the middle of what the media tells us is a war. Armond White, National Review, 17 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • Weeks’ mother described her daughter as passionate about music and justice, witty and compassionate.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Brought to you by Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby is a comedy memorable for its distinctive storyline, witty dialogue, and stellar performances—especially from Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, and star Rachel Sennott.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Berries, given their naturally tiny nature, are a super cute choice.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • The pair have to find their friends (JJ included) which leads to a cute game of peekaboo.
    Parents, Parents, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly joined Lacoste ambassador and actor Pierre Niney for the humorous promotional film, produced by Niney’s production company.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • As the search continued, humorous posts imagining where Gracie might show up next spread across social media.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Your method of dismissing your flippant remarks, then, is probably the next best option to silence.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Chick lit was flippant and fizzy and fun, above all, as effervescent and guiltless as a vodka soda.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay.
    Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
  • Later in the day, your mind finds a clever solution, a useful contact or a whole new point of view.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The high-quality dress can be worn all summer long, in playful hues like white and green.
    Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • Beaded sandals, in particular, strike a balance between statement-making and approachable, offering the same playful energy as the season’s beaded jewelry and bags without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul.
    Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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