1
as in comedians
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor
a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in clowns
a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks
the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jesters
On freedom of opinion, on freedom of the press, on freedom of satire, on jesters’ freedom.
—
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Handing the kingdom of SoFi over to the court jesters for a night is a feat worthy of celebration.
—Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement.
—Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Even if jesters are no more, our need to dissent and criticize has not passed.
—Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2025
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Handing the kingdom of SoFi over to the court jesters for a night is a feat worthy of celebration.
—Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement.
—Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Even if jesters are no more, our need to dissent and criticize has not passed.
—Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jesters
Noun
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Suffice to say, the comedians are soon way over their head and find themselves in the middle of a war between rival gangs.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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Instead, the show features Allen and a rotating panel of comedians who tell jokes and riff on more universal topics.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The four paintings are Joan Miró’s Composition (1953), Maurice Utrillo’s Maison de rendez-vous de chasse de Henri IV, rue Saint-Vincent, Montmartre (1934), Balthus’s Etude pour femme couchée (1948), and Pablo Picasso’s L’Ecuyere et les clowns (1961).—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
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Once completed, the $5 million acquisition will ensure the theater has a permanent home, a place where skateboarding clowns and leek-haired onions can continue to frolic and dance for decades to come.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As Rose’s impoverished yet imperious mother Ruth, Parson’s dry deliveries offer great comic ballast to this ship of fools.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
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McGinn sets high standards in training and during games and does not suffer fools.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Like any public hearing, there were a few jokers who had some strange outbursts, but the majority of the over a dozen speakers weren’t satisfied with Gower’s presentation and used their times to ask questions of the owners as to what has taken so long with this project.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
12 May 2026
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Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jesters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jesters. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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