1
as in comedians
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor
a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in clowns
a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks
the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester
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 jesters
On freedom of opinion, on freedom of the press, on freedom of satire, on jesters’ freedom.
—
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Handing the kingdom of SoFi over to the court jesters for a night is a feat worthy of celebration.
—Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement.
—Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Even if jesters are no more, our need to dissent and criticize has not passed.
—Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2025
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Handing the kingdom of SoFi over to the court jesters for a night is a feat worthy of celebration.
—Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement.
—Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Even if jesters are no more, our need to dissent and criticize has not passed.
—Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jesters
Noun
-
Starting April 29, fans can snag $30 tickets to more than 4,000 concerts, including artists Charlie Puth, Empire of the Sun, Evanescence, MGK, Luke Bryan, Zayn, the Pussycat Dolls, Goo Goo Dolls and even comedians, such as John Mulaney.—
Anna Tingley,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The show, which films at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas, combines stand-up, improv and the classic comedy roast, with Hinchcliffe and a rotating slate of guest judge comedians roasting wannabe stand-ups seeking a minute to launch their act.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Once completed, the $5 million acquisition will ensure the theater has a permanent home, a place where skateboarding clowns and leek-haired onions can continue to frolic and dance for decades to come.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Plot details are being kept under wraps, though the film has been described as a four-quadrant coming-of-age comedy set in the world of funny and evil clowns.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As Rose’s impoverished yet imperious mother Ruth, Parson’s dry deliveries offer great comic ballast to this ship of fools.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
-
McGinn sets high standards in training and during games and does not suffer fools.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The 166-piece set includes 36 dot, bam, and crack tiles, 12 dragons, 16 winds, 16 flowers, 10 jokers, and four blank spare tiles made from melamine.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jesters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jesters. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
