jocose

adjective

jō-ˈkōs How to pronounce jocose (audio)
Definition of jocosenext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the comedian's jocose introductions kept the awards ceremony from becoming a stodgy affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocose distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocose are facetious, humorous, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When could facetious be used to replace jocose?

The words facetious and jocose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 jocose?

The meanings of humorous and jocose largely overlap; however, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

When can jocular be used instead of jocose?

Although the words jocular and jocose have much in common, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When would witty be a good substitute for jocose?

The words witty and jocose can be used in similar contexts, but witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
  1. merry
  2. jolly
  3. festive
  4. cheerful
Adjective
  • Amaryllis flowers and winter greenery make for a merry arrangement.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Which means if there’s more than two inches of snow on the ground, a merry band of Aurora volunteers spread out across neighborhoods to help seniors clear their sidewalks, stoops and driveways.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • While his jolly personality won him many friends at the top of the pyramid, his flock of ordinary Catholics saw only his other side.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The surviving kids begin to suspect something is up, but their attempts to appeal to this world’s sad excuses for adult supervision — a jolly mailman, a blank-faced nurse, and a talking train — just lead to more murders.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • They’ll be treated to an authentic Persian breakfast, while taking in festive gowns and sets embroidered with jasmine vines rendered in leather, a Hilá signature.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This was the most popular festive plant in the early 20th century before being replaced by the poinsettia.
    — Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • Even the prettiest and most cheerful landscapes and still lifes, such as Belly Flowers and Sonny Hart’s Garden, use this contrast to create tension.
    — Benjamin Lima Special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Just off the kitchen is a cheerful breakfast nook topped with skylights, inviting you to linger on weekend mornings.
    — Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of cheerful
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.

Browse Nearby Words

jockeys
jocose
jocosely
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Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jocose

Nglish: Translation of jocose for Spanish Speakers

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