Definition of facetiousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word facetious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of facetious are humorous, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," 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 facetious?

The words humorous and facetious can be used in similar contexts, but 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?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When can jocular be used instead of facetious?

The synonyms jocular and facetious are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When could witty be used to replace facetious?

While the synonyms witty and facetious are close in meaning, 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 facetious To be facetious, how many of those people who committed mass murder in the fifth largest city in America went to death row? Dave Zirin, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025 At first, Yellow Face offers a facetious and overly complicated panorama, shuffling Daniel Dae Kim’s glibly intellectual DHH and Francis Jue’s heartfelt HYH among the Asian, black, and white supporting actors who portray various egotistic New York professionals. Armond White, National Review, 21 May 2025 In the 30-second ad, 314 Action presented Kennedy’s swim in Rock Creek as absurd, posting it next to two facetious headlines saying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered drone strikes from a steam bath and another saying Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shot and killed another dog. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 19 May 2025 Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • Aline Brosh McKenna’s script is sharp and witty.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The starry voice cast delivers on all fronts, especially with lines provided by Mazin’s witty and wise script.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Patagonian Scallops Tiny baby button scallops, so cute.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Someone says the rats are actually cute — what’s your honest response?
    Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s based on an unconventional true story from recent history, set on the British Isles, with a tone that alternates between humorous and sorrowful before delivering an uplifting and humanist message, with skillfully invisible filmmaking that takes a backseat to the performances and story.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The humorous spot is part of a year-long effort by Disney to get audiences enthusiastic about its Super Bowl plans.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • During his Monday night Daily Show episode, the political comic blasted the POTUS’ flippant attitude toward his largely unfavorable military decisions in the SWANA region.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Given how flippant Rodgers has been with his decision-making over the last few years, and his insistence that he won’t be bullied into deciding his future on anyone’s timeline but his makes predicting what the four-time MVP will do quite a tough ask.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7).
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Through it all, the cats remain the center of her world — unpredictable, clever and endlessly entertaining.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its founder, Mara McCarthy, is the daughter of Conceptual artist Paul McCarthy, who gained prominence in the 1990s for his playful installations critiquing pop culture and featuring such unusual materials as peanut butter, chocolate, and anal plugs.
    News Desk, Artforum, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The video offers a playful reminder of just how far remote work has evolved.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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