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
  • Get inspired by these merry, bright, and unabashedly playful interiors from past editions of AD All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.
    — Madeleine Luckel, Architectural Digest, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Tristan’s on pigeon patrol, and a merry Christmas to all.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.
    — Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • The clip showed life before the tragedy — carpool rides and sing-a-longs with the kids as well as festive house parties with the neighbors gathered together — followed by Céline finding her son Max seconds too late, and the torment both families faced as a result.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The festive evening, which includes cuisine from Arthur’s, an open bar and a silent auction, begins at 5 p.m. March 30 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando.
    — Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • Washington earlier this month abruptly suspended military aid to Ukraine following a heated exchange between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, just hours after the cheerful TSMC ceremony.
    — Wayne Chang, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Plus, their cheerful blooms and tall stems ensure these flowers will be a striking addition to any landscape.
    — Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of jocose for Spanish Speakers

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