Definition of jocularnext
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as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the children at the library were charmed by the jocular storyteller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocular distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocular are facetious, humorous, jocose, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When can facetious be used instead of jocular?

Although the words facetious and jocular have much in common, 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 might humorous be a better fit than jocular?

While the synonyms humorous and jocular are close in meaning, 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 as synonyms of jocular?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

Where would witty be a reasonable alternative to jocular?

While in some cases nearly identical to jocular, 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 jocular Even was talkative and jocular, telling stories about blowout parties in Marrakech. Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025 That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling. Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Modern American popular culture contains many jocular characters that resemble this folkloric bird, who is delightfully impervious to pain, from cartoon characters such as the Road Runner – an actual bird – to the foulmouthed, self-regenerating antihero Deadpool. Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025 The film explicitly acknowledges that their sibling rivalry is very Thor and Loki, though the dynamic here is different with Wilson playing uptight preppy to Momoa’s jocular biker viking. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • The abundance of light that Koestenbaum sheds on the rabbi is humorous, sure, but also humanistic.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The humorous contrast between his calm expression and his awkward position is what helped propel the clip across social media.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Petrie, Doz and Morrow play multiple roles, including a gossipy Greek chorus and the band of merry fisherman (truly an astonishing array of Canadian accent work on display).
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • These are the chapters that feature the merry trickster of the forest, Tom Bombadil, a classic fiddle-dee-dee-mischief type who waylays the hobbits at the onset of their quest.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Only a geeky, witty male pal (Jon Cryer) sees her worth, until one day, quite remarkably, rich-kid McCarthy takes an interest.
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026
  • As the two form a tentative connection, the grift is soon threatened in this sharply witty and entertaining new comedy from Oscar®-winner Steven Soderbergh.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Vivacious Mars dances with jolly Jupiter, energizing your 6th House of Practice and your 10th House of Ambition.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s served alongside rice cooked with mushrooms and herbs, a clever mashup of Malaysian nasi ulam and Haitian djon djon.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Meghan Blanco, a former federal prosecutor and veteran defense attorney, suggested Gee’s inaction with Essayli might be a clever act of resistance.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There was the festive atmosphere at the team hotel in downtown Indianapolis, the city starting to come alive.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Their annual festive holiday gift exchange spirals into a cutthroat game of Christmas carnage.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Security grows as the emotional Moon in your 2nd House of Production trines cheerful Jupiter in your 10th House of Gains.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
  • For a cheerful addition to your front door that looks warm and welcoming, look no further than this wreath.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Valanciunas has long been regarded as a jovial locker-room presence throughout the NBA, known for his sense of humor.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Your 11th House of Hopefulness lights up as enterprising Mars harmonizes with jovial Jupiter in your talkative 3rd house.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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