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
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Recent Examples of jolly
Matt Barrows, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
The film genre is also a favorite during the jolly season.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
At Christmas morning church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, Kate Middleton, King Charles and Queen Camilla look jolly upon arrival.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Adjective
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers held a Christmas Eve practice Wednesday without their jolliest player.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
The film genre is also a favorite during the jolly season.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Adverb
While there are still January holidays on the horizon for Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims, today is the 12th day of Christmas — and then the holly-jolly season will be quickly wrapped and done.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
At Christmas morning church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, Kate Middleton, King Charles and Queen Camilla look jolly upon arrival.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
Verb
This isn’t a report by the fun police: Twelfth Night is bursting with life and humor and should by no means be a moody slog, but Ali’s production is too intent on jollying us along.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
-
Amaryllis flowers and winter greenery make for a merry arrangement.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
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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
Adjective
-
Dry, pleasant weather returns over the weekend for Valentine's Day, with high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s, light winds and mostly sunny skies.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
If this feels outside of your comfort zone, opt for a simple, pleasant one-line opening.—
Outside,
Outside,
13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The hydropower generators at Greers Ferry Dam had been idle all day, so the Little Red was very low, with just a hint of current.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Progress appeared to be very little, as Iran has sought to limit the discussions to solely its nuclear program.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In a lighthearted Instagram video, Shepherd joked about fellow comedian and BFF Kym Whitley planning to steal memorabilia from the show’s greenroom.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Earlier on Tuesday, Benioff joked about ICE being present at an employee gathering in Las Vegas, 404 Media reported.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
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
Adjective
-
Guests can enjoy a delightful complimentary breakfast (yogurt and granola, juices, coffee, and baked goods) or order from the full-service menu for an additional fee.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
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The town’s colorful buildings feature bow windows, loggias, colorful mosaics, and delicate rosettes in a delightful Belle Époque style.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
15 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Even in hockey – a sport that is extremely popular around the world – there are terms used by commentators or pundits that you might not be accustomed to hearing if not a regular to the sport.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Belfast is an enjoyable enough place to visit, but Derry still feels like home.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The final verdict Across the solar system, there are plenty of worlds that have ice, snow and even impressive slopes, but only one has the three working together that allows for enjoyable skiing.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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