as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the comedian's jocose introductions kept the awards ceremony from becoming a stodgy affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocose distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocose are facetious, humorous, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When could facetious be used to replace jocose?

The words facetious and jocose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is humorous a more appropriate choice than jocose?

The meanings of humorous and jocose largely overlap; however, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

When can jocular be used instead of jocose?

Although the words jocular and jocose have much in common, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When would witty be a good substitute for jocose?

The words witty and jocose can be used in similar contexts, but witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
Adjective
  • Now Quentin and his merry band of murderous gays are dead by her hand, presumably leaving Greg to enjoy an undivided inheritance of $500 million.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In the Hollywood version, Julie Andrews plays the adorable Maria opposite Christopher Plummer’s dashing captain, leading their merry band of children out of Austria on the cusp of the Second World War.
    Vogue, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.
    Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The festive parade saw the 26-year-old quarterback — along with Mickey — waving to fans lining the streets of the Happiest Place on Earth.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Dump contents into a festive glass and pack in as much more ice as will fit.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Available in both a cheerful yellow daffodil and a muted pastel lavender, this handbag can add a vibrant statement to your outfit or a subtle pop of color.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Plant was putting them through a cheerful endurance test, but the filmmakers were used to the hunt.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2025
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.

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near jocose

Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jocose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!