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

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 jovial The video shows a jovial Trump beating a dinner table and then playfully patting Musk on the back. —

Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024 During the festive meal, guests started singing at the top of their lungs and dancing along to the lively tunes of the Juke Joints from ALR Music, a roaming band that kept the mood jovial and energetic throughout dinner. —

Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 Comfortable in front of the camera, the two actors make the ludicrous proceedings jovial enough. —

Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for jovial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jovial

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