joke 1 of 2

noun

ˈjōk How to pronounce joke (audio)
Definition of jokenext
1
as in laugh
something said or done to cause laughter he was known for his hilarious jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something her rendition of the national anthem is a joke

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fool
a person or thing that is made fun of having lost his looks and his voice years ago, these days he's just a show business joke and fodder for late-night comedy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

joke

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to fun
to make jokes he was known for his ability to joke about his lack of anything resembling a social life

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2
as in to tease
to make fun of in a good-natured way oh, don't get offended, I was just joking you

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 joke
Noun
Reports vary on the exact level of success or failure of Meghan's brand As Ever, but the jam, flower sprinkles and scented candles have become a bit of a joke. — Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 There’s a running joke about the MCU having the most magical water that clouds everything. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
They were dressed as food-delivery workers, carrying insulated bags on their backs, joking with one another and livestreaming everything with their phones. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 Ripa joked of the shoot’s aesthetic, which largely saw Consuelos posing in his underwear. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joke
  1. laugh
  2. parody
  3. fool
  4. kid
  5. tease
  6. joking
  7. caricature
  8. target
Noun
  • Their friendship was one of many laughs, songs and adventures.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lifeson was roaming the stage, trying to make the new drummer laugh.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • These polyester fits have also been parodied in video skits, where comedians put on an all-over polyester print outfit, like a wolf T-shirt and galaxy pants, and parody the stereotypical nerdy kid.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The series, which featured elaborate original musical numbers ranging from Broadway parodies to pop pastiches, earned Bloom a Golden Globe for best actress in a television comedy or musical as well as an Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Pyrite, commonly known as fool’s gold, is an unusual semiconductor.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a version of this character that’s just the fool, and you’re disconnected from him, but Matthew takes you on a journey with this character.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fool
Verb
  • What everyday skills should kids practice before the first week of school?
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Running under the surface of the film is the anxiety that kids his age are lucky to secure any job, even one as low-paying and exploitative as Erika’s studio assistant.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of kid
Verb
  • The duo took to the stage during the event and addressed the crowd in character to tease the plot of the upcoming sequel, per USA Today.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The film also stars Sadie Sink, who attended Disney’s D23 fan celebration Friday as the studio teased its X-Men plans.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of tease
Noun
  • Back in December 1968, Dolan wrote a joking column about the earlier Lake Worth monster, from way back in 1947.
    — Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
  • Oh, but the Padres manager was ready with the joking last night.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
Definition of joking
Noun
  • Blessed with generational talent, mainstream appeal and a good basketball product, the league is instead in danger of becoming a caricature.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In the national consciousness, Blackpool has become a morbid caricature of working-class Britain—a place where binge drinking, violence, and vomit are in view of teacup rides, kids on the beach, and plastic pirates.
    — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • Armstrong gives the Chiefs a tall target among a shorter group, and his potential as a red zone blocker should only help his case to make the 53-man roster.
    — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The two sides have escalated their air war on one another, with Ukraine increasingly firing barrages of drones at targets deep inside Russia, including warehouses and industrial plants as well as refineries.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of target

Phrases Containing joke

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on joke

Nglish: Translation of joke for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about joke

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