1
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
an especially jolly crowd of well-wishers at their wedding reception
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses
we always have a jolly time at their seaside cottage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in very
to a great degree
I jolly well agree that you did the right thing has become a jolly careful driver since his recent accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to joke
to make jokes
spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of jolly
Joe Klein,
Washington Post,
11 June 2026
Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Myhrvold, now 66 and still the CEO of Intellectual Ventures, is jolly and excitable in conversation.
—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
As to the political will needed to jolly the process along, and arrange payment for those parts of the programme that will not pay for themselves, this can push both ways.
—
The Economist,
21 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Adjective
The winter holidays of 1945-46 must have been a jolly time for the Greatest Generation.
—
Joe Klein,
Washington Post,
11 June 2026
Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Adverb
Holmgren’s world, the one Kenrich Williams portrays as well as the one reality relays, seems mostly jolly.
—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Myhrvold, now 66 and still the CEO of Intellectual Ventures, is jolly and excitable in conversation.
—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
Verb
Director Nisha Ganatra jollies it along, with editor Eleanor Infante making as much rhythmic sense of the mix-ups and physical craziness as possible.
—
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
As to the political will needed to jolly the process along, and arrange payment for those parts of the programme that will not pay for themselves, this can push both ways.
—
The Economist,
21 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
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Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else.
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When former President Barack Obama addressed the massive, merry crowd at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18, a few lines landed like a balm.
Adjective
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Despite the minimalism and lack of physical controls, the EX30 interior isn’t a bad place to be—Volvo’s interior designers tend to understand the assignment well, and the textures and materials are pleasant to the touch.
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This was a pleasant surprise given the significant worldwide controversy surrounding Huawei’s dominance in constructing 4G infrastructure.
Adverb
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Despite consuming mass quantities of high-calorie foods during competition season, most professional competitive eaters are very lean.
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Music icon Taylor Swift and football star Travis Kelce, who announced their engagement in August 2025, are anticipated to tie the knot very soon.
Verb
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According to her statement, Jake was opening a new pack of football cards and joking with his grandmother when Walter's vehicle struck theirs.
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Trying to Open Taxi Doors People often joke about Japan living in the future.
Adjective
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The Wharf also presents diverse choices, from Willowsong's local farm-to-table focus to Tiki TNT's festive rum bar, showcasing the capital's rich and varied gastronomic landscape.
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This dip set features glittery red and green nails, accented with white and gold accents for a festive finish.
Adjective
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Small in size but big on personality, Little Spirit remains one of Atlanta’s most consistently delightful neighborhood cocktail bars.
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Sidny Lopes Cabral’s delightful curling strike was one of the great World Cup moments and the image of him in the crowd right after was poignant.
Adverb
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That restraint also challenges the idea that sauvignon blanc must be extremely aromatic to be recognizable.
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Superconductors can carry electricity with zero resistance, but only at extremely low temperatures.
Adjective
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More of us are rediscovering the appeal of doing things the harder (though usually more enjoyable) way.
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Choosing snacks that are both healthy and appealing to kids can make snack time easier and more enjoyable.
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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