1
as in humorous
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
made the jocular observation that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start off with a large fortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
the children at the library were charmed by the jocular storyteller
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jocular
Even was talkative and jocular, telling stories about blowout parties in Marrakech.
—
Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025
That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling.
—Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Modern American popular culture contains many jocular characters that resemble this folkloric bird, who is delightfully impervious to pain, from cartoon characters such as the Road Runner – an actual bird – to the foulmouthed, self-regenerating antihero Deadpool.
—Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
The film explicitly acknowledges that their sibling rivalry is very Thor and Loki, though the dynamic here is different with Wilson playing uptight preppy to Momoa’s jocular biker viking.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for jocular
Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025
That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling.
—Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Modern American popular culture contains many jocular characters that resemble this folkloric bird, who is delightfully impervious to pain, from cartoon characters such as the Road Runner – an actual bird – to the foulmouthed, self-regenerating antihero Deadpool.
—Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
The film explicitly acknowledges that their sibling rivalry is very Thor and Loki, though the dynamic here is different with Wilson playing uptight preppy to Momoa’s jocular biker viking.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
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
-
Knoxville and his merry band of delightfully sadistic goons are back for one possibly final rodeo.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
-
October welcomes the annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival, and December plays host to Dickens on Centre, which gives downtown Fernandina a merry Victorian makeover just before Christmas.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
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
-
The neighborhood Neighboring St Moritz was adopted in the 19th century by all those jolly-hockey-stick Brits, who introduced skiing and tobogganing, but little Sils Maria has always been more cerebral.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 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
-
So pour yourself something festive and keep scrolling for easy ways to bring a little bit of Louisville flair to your wardrobe.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The siblings were spotted sitting near one another and chatting with other people during the festive event held in the Marble Room of Buckingham Palace.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In recent years, Grohl has been in the news for less cheerful reasons.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
25 Apr. 2026
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Just take a look at how this fence mural by Sarah Murphy adds a cheerful pop of color to this outdoor space.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The series opens with Niall’s jovial Scottish wedding.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
-
In New Orleans, one of the earliest slammers was a jovial fellow named Damian Labeaud, who, starting in 2010, recruited passengers from the local community with the promise of insurance payouts, then took them hunting on the freeway for a truck.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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