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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 Since returning to the White House in January, he’s repeatedly teased the idea of running again — but, unlike his recent comments, his past remarks have appeared to be facetious. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025 Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada. Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat. Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • This time around, Lilo and Nani’s Ohana is expanded to her witty and wise neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill), an original character, and Nani’s easygoing crush David (Kaipo Dudoit), who is retconned here as Tūtū’s grandson.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Life, death, crime, kitsch, nostalgia, immigrant aspirations and witty design — all of these elements converge in the world of motels, which didn’t exist before 1925.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • She has been married twice, marrying director Chris Calkins in 2009. 08 of 09 Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd Woody Harrelson's Woody Boyd joined Cheers in season 4 as a not-so-bright but very cute bartender.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Their relationship unfolds over cute dates and study sessions, the two of them picking their way through all the messy, beautiful confusion of growing up.
    Krysta Hawkins, Vogue, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The outright comedy relief (notably Milo Mechem-Miller and Christopher Burnside as Bill-and-Ted-like sidekicks to the Prince) doesn’t quite work; ditto the attempt to paint Snow, the Prince and their friends in flippant modern-youth terms, while simultaneously selling classic fairy-tale romance.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025
  • But in the wider community, the word can sound flippant or even objectifying.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, the playful green shade will add a pop of color to any summer travel wardrobe.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
  • The moment instantly sparked playful reactions cross the internet with some cheekily demanding the robot get its act together.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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