JOVIAL Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'jovial' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jovial are blithe , jocund , jolly , and merry . While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship. // dinner put them in a jovial mood

Q: In what contexts can 'blithe' take the place of 'jovial'?

Although the words blithe and jovial have much in common, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety. // arrived late in his usual blithe way

Q: When can 'jocund' be used instead of 'jovial'?

The synonyms jocund and jovial are sometimes interchangeable, but jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits. // singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

Q: When might 'jolly' be a better fit than 'jovial'?

The words jolly and jovial can be used in similar contexts, but jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting. // our jolly host enlivened the party

Q: When could 'merry' be used to replace 'jovial'?

In some situations, the words merry and jovial are roughly equivalent. However, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity. // a merry group of revelers

jovial

adjective

ˈjō-vē-əl

Definition of jovial next

as in jolly

indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the trip to the amusement park put everyone in a jovial mood

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How does the adjective jovial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jovial are blithe, jocund, jolly, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

In what contexts can blithe take the place of jovial?

Although the words blithe and jovial have much in common, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When can jocund be used instead of jovial?

The synonyms jocund and jovial are sometimes interchangeable, but jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When might jolly be a better fit than jovial?

The words jolly and jovial can be used in similar contexts, but jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When could merry be used to replace jovial?

In some situations, the words merry and jovial are roughly equivalent. However, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

Examples 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 jovial The cheery fall aesthetic of the program's seasonal set existed for mere seconds at the top of the live broadcast, before an issue with Joy Behar's chair pierced through the otherwise jovial pre-holiday atmosphere. —

EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024 There is something so special and harmonious in using the same hues to warm up the face and accentuate the eyes—especially when the shades are as jovial as Chanel’s Enchanted Night palette, inspired by the northern lights and snowfall. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024 And Dad was trying to be his usual jovial self in company. —

Lizz Schumer, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 This mindset is shared by Shaw Lash, a jovial Texan with a background in Mexican cooking who moved to Dubai eight years ago. —

Samantha Wood, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jovial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jovial

Adjective

The shiny, vinyl-like fabric gave the look a modern, sporty edge, tying it back to the game-day setting. Mahomes and Kelce paired the festive jolly coats with their red and white Chiefs uniforms, blending seamlessly with the football team’s signature colors.

Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
As the jolliest day of the year inches closer, the sibling group breaks into the top 10 on a handful of tallies, as both their singles and at least one album are on the rise.

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024