joking 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of jokingnext
as in kidding
marked by or expressive of mild or good-natured teasing grinned and gave him a joking nudge with my elbow

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joking

2 of 3

noun

as in jesting

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joking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of joke
1
as in funning
to make jokes he was known for his ability to joke about his lack of anything resembling a social life

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2
as in teasing
to make fun of in a good-natured way oh, don't get offended, I was just joking you

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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 joking
Verb
Nile and Bernard seemed like best friends, always joking and very excited. — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2024 Not just the kind of vaudevillian two guys joking around with each other on stage, but even just as individual comedians. — Justin Koreis, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joking
  1. sarcastic
  2. teasing
  3. nonsense
  4. quizzical
Adjective
  • These behaviors may include: Making sarcastic or pointed remarks.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • His character is written as sharp-minded, witty, and sarcastic, according to the filmmakers.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of sarcastic
Verb
  • Seinfeld was clearly teasing, but sure enough, several headlines reported it as gospel with perhaps a mention three paragraphs in that it was intended to be humorous.
    — Jenelle Riley, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
  • From teasing his retirement to becoming a minister and everything in between, here’s a look at the Hollywood star’s year of surprises.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025
Definition of teasing
Noun
  • Describing the plot as utter nonsense would both be 100 percent correct and likely taken as a massive compliment for all involved.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Putin has repeatedly dismissed as nonsense Western claims that Russia could one day attack a NATO member.
    — Reuters, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of nonsense
Adjective
  • And there were some quizzical looks and whispers about the guy walking around the Peoria Sports Complex in restricted areas.
    — Kevin Acee, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The dog may have a mop of hair like yours or the same quizzical look on its face, Markman said.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of quizzical

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“Joking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joking. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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