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
  • Personal differences, school commitments, and career opportunities threaten to permanently break up the merry band of role-players.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Afterwards, the trap would have released the insect, to go on their merry way.
    — Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • 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
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • Gastronomy and mixology come together with live music in the afternoons to create a festive, atmospheric cocktail lounge.
    — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Fans can enjoy a festive atmosphere and even create their ideal basketball court using cutting-edge AI technology.
    — Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • Suddenly, everyone’s wardrobe is far more cheerful, nature is blooming in every corner, and our favorite brands begin unveiling fresh colorways inspired by the season’s change.
    — Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Many Faces of Organizational Silence Toxic positivity isn't just about being excessively cheerful.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 26 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.

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 14 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of jocose for Spanish Speakers

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