1
as in comedian
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
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2
as in clown
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jester
As resident jester at the maverick journalism outlet The Free Press, Nellie Bowles scours the news for the absurd and hypocritical, and then skewers the best of the worst in her column, TGIF.
—
Roy Rivenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Feb. 2025
Art the Clown is back for one last terrifying ride, which will provide horror fans closure on the murderous jester’s arc.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
Precisely what function Brit comedian Tim Key has as a kind of court jester in a giant pigeon suit is anybody’s guess.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
In the evening, fire dancers, jesters, and musicians take to the streets with spectacular performances.
—Carissa & Dino Tozzi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jester
Roy Rivenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Feb. 2025
Art the Clown is back for one last terrifying ride, which will provide horror fans closure on the murderous jester’s arc.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
Precisely what function Brit comedian Tim Key has as a kind of court jester in a giant pigeon suit is anybody’s guess.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
In the evening, fire dancers, jesters, and musicians take to the streets with spectacular performances.
—Carissa & Dino Tozzi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
Noun
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Kathy Griffin says man is 'harassing' her with questions about Trump Kathy Griffin says ex Jack Black told her to dry off with bath mat towel This isn't the first health scare the comedian has faced in recent years.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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The 31-year-old comedian has been linked to model Elsie Hewitt since last month when they were seen packing on the PDA on the beach during a getaway to Palm Beach.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In real time, the audience, the queens watching, and perhaps Suzie herself all learn that Suzie has a knack for sexiness onstage, even though she’s dressed as a clown.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
12 Apr. 2025
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Among the mass-shooting victims is a bloodied clown who was performing at the festival.—
James Poniewozik,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That said, sense-making is a fool’s errand in this era.—
Damon Beres,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2025
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Holding out hope for Hannah’s return, or Janine’s liberation, or… anything, really, by this point in the Hulu drama’s final run can feel like a fool’s errand.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
11 Mar. 2025
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These days, costumes range from fairy-tale characters, clowns and harlequins to Napoleonic soldiers and celebrities.—
Matt Ralphs,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
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This lucky gambler had an 8, 9, 10, jack, queen, king and a joker.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jester. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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