JOCULAR Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

jocular

adjective

ˈjä-kyə-lər

Definition of jocular

as in humorous

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor made the jocular observation that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start off with a large fortune

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 These documents further illuminated the extent of the friendship between Bannon and Epstein, whose private exchanges are jocular, even affectionate at times. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026 Entire families, with kids and dogs, took their holiday portraits — not with a jocular Santa, but with a snarling Krampus, standing in front of an Alpine forest backdrop. — Deena Prichep, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for jocular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular

Adjective

While captain Henderson is crucial for a harmonious atmosphere and has the self-confidence to lead the team into this new era, and he is joined by the ever-humorous Hughes, there is an absence of strong personalities in this squad.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Gunn said some of the Internet memes mocking her moves were humorous before widespread analysis of her efforts took on a frenzied life of its own.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of humorous

Adjective

Fortune’s intrepid tech editor, Alexei Oreskovic, and his merry band of reporters will carry on in my absence.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Last year, which marked the first holiday season for Epic Universe, merry decor was concentrated in its Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic and Celestial Park sections.

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of merry

Adjective

Williams captivated the world with his unpredictable, witty humor and joyful personality in television and movies until taking his own life in 2014 at age 63.

— PJ Green August 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen tells the story of Colette (Caruso), a witty young dreamer in 20th-century Paris, who finds her power through writing.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of witty

Adjective

Both his suggestion and the jolly appreciation seem out of tune with the situation ‘far from home’, which may be a military manoeuvre involving mock battles and bayonet practice, or a preparation for actual combat.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
This plush captures its jolly mood with a big smile and a grinning sun across its belly (complete with sunglasses).

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of jolly

Adjective

The screenplay by Samy Burch (Oscar-nominated for May December) features one clever gag after another, such as Road Runner, making a surprise appearance in the courtroom, delivering his testimony via beeps.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Rather than requiring you to completely detach the blades or assemble the rotor head using screws or tools in the field, the R1 uses a clever flexible four-blade geometry.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

Some come for the high-octane DJs at Shellona or the all-day revelry of Nikki Beach; others swear by the legendary glamour of Le Club 55 or the festive energy of Casa Amor.

— Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
To make the moment more festive, the hospital room was decorated with balloons and flowers, along with a cake.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of festive

Adjective

He was known to be a jokester in the locker room, jovial but also smart enough to have played almost all five starting roles on an offensive line.

— PJ Green August 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
And yet, Simon Farnaby is perhaps most recognizable for mugging his rather expressive and jovial face, usually beneath a crop of untamed curly hair, across a series of scene-stealing comic cameos.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of jovial

Browse Nearby Words

jocosity

jocular

jocularity

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“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of jocular

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