FACETIOUS Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How are the words 'jocose' and 'facetious' related?

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

Q: 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

Q: 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

facetious

adjective

fə-ˈsē-shəs

Definition of facetious next

as in witty

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cute

making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred a facetious and tasteless remark about people in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The veteran investor isn’t being entirely facetious. —

Will Daniel, Fortune, 29 May 2024 Veteran liberal dweebs fail to rethink their facetious principles in these scary, complicated times. —

Armond White, National Review, 17 May 2024 Based on the television series that retooled The Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors as a show-business stunt coordinator who also solved crimes, this facetious film adaptation stars Ryan Gosling, not quite a replacement for towering tough-guy Majors. —

Armond White, National Review, 3 May 2024 The majority of the profile images appeared to be stock photos, and the job titles were all facetious. —

Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for facetious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious

Adjective

In this puzzle, however, the question is about serving others in restaurants, and the witty answer is TIPS.

— Deb Amlen, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Starring Hollywood legends Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the movie follows Harry and Sally’s evolving relationship over the years, punctuated by witty banter and unforgettable scenes, including the famous diner moment.

— Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025