jest 1 of 2

1
as in fun
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously you should know that our teasing was done entirely in jest

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2
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as in fool
a person or thing that is made fun of his outlandish costumes made him the jest of the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jest

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun jest differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jest are fun, game, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

In what contexts can fun take the place of jest?

Although the words fun and jest have much in common, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How are the words game and sport related as synonyms of jest?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

When is it sensible to use play instead of jest?

The words play and jest can be used in similar contexts, but play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

When could sport be used to replace jest?

The words sport and jest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

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 jest
Noun
More News: William Byron Just Pulled Off a Daytona 500 Feat Only Four Others Have Speaking about the incident in an interview, Byron seemed amused by the clever digital jest. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 However, Chef Karina Orozco is quick to point out the fun cannabis or pot references are all in jest. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
The two also jested about their pet peeves about each other. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023 This led him to jest about a personal request from viewers. Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 2 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for jest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jest
Noun
  • Perhaps no one had more fun than Brandon Podziemski.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Because, even amidst sheer fun and revelry, there is always room for growth.
    Malana VanTyle, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Nikki Glaser applauds Joan’s candor about aging and plastic surgery, and Aubrey Plaza retires Joan’s not-so-politically-correct jokes.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Teasing out the joke, Pressley asked if former landscaper Wallen is good around the house fixing stuff.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The abysmal prank — which ran over several toe-curling episodes — became emblematic of a season that couldn’t get off the ground.
    Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
  • According to Gothamist, which spoke with a Collegiate faculty member who wished to remain anonymous, this year's senior prank — a tradition at the Upper West Side school in Manhattan — mimicked a border patrol checkpoint, offending several students, teachers and administrators.
    David Chiu, People.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • There was lots of offensive wizardry to be viewed from Datsyuk, but also video of his staunch defensive play, responsible positioning and masterful stickwork to pickpocket opposing players.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • But that’s not really what the world premiere play that opened Thursday at the Old Globe is about.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Photos were taken, laughs were shared and much of the cast gave each other warm embraces all evening.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
  • Since Carter and Andersen could make each other laugh, that was enough.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • An’s game of choice, Apex Legends, is a particularly taxing one.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • The best players in the history of the game won at the highest level, with deep playoff runs and titles along the way.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Rea allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings, improving to 4-0 with another no-flash performance that did the trick.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Label tricks, regional cues and color considerations for better picking at the wine shop.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Your lawmakers have commanded all good citizens to engage in this hellish sport.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 19 May 2025
  • He’s covered every sport imaginable, from Little League to the World Series to the Olympics.
    David Ammenheuser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jest. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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