jocose

adjective

jō-ˈkōs How to pronounce jocose (audio)
Definition of jocosenext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the comedian's jocose introductions kept the awards ceremony from becoming a stodgy affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocose distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocose are facetious, humorous, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When could facetious be used to replace jocose?

The words facetious and jocose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 jocose?

The meanings of humorous and jocose largely overlap; however, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

When can jocular be used instead of jocose?

Although the words jocular and jocose have much in common, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When would witty be a good substitute for jocose?

The words witty and jocose can be used in similar contexts, but witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
  1. merry
  2. jolly
  3. festive
  4. cheerful
Adjective
  • Sister Mary Guadalupe wears rimless glasses, and her eyes are shaped like a merry jack-o’-lantern’s, flat on the bottom with semicircles on top.
    — Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Women deserve their own places at the top, and if that means more women are founding companies, the more, the merrier.
    — Liz Elting, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • Original price: $29.99 This festive pastel tower of eggs is a standout centerpiece for spring.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Each rabbit holds a festive springtime flower in a different pose that can be placed together or individually around the home.
    — Ali Faccenda, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • After congratulating the pregnant women, the husband and wife turn their attention to a cheerful Aisha.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The relaxed fit keeps it comfortable for all-day wear, and the sunny shade adds a cheerful touch to otherwise neutral travel basics.
    — Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of cheerful
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.

Browse Nearby Words

jockeys
jocose
jocosely
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Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of jocose for Spanish Speakers

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