as in jolly
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
the trip to the amusement park put everyone in a jovial mood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 jovial
Ubu made a surprisingly strong return with their 1988 reunion, The Tenement Year, a jovial mess that might be their warmest.
—
Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
The jovial Francis became pope because the conservative and cerebral Benedict XVI resigned on Feb. 28, 2013.
—Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
The Network Brass Winnie Landell (Helen Hunt) Photo: Courtesy of Max
This network executive responsible for Late Night with Deborah Vance’s success is jovial yet mean in the way that only a woman who’s worked in Hollywood for too long and has seen way too much can be.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
All that gnashing and suckling is old hat — as old as the burgundy fedora Jordan slips on when playing the more jovial of these brothers in arms.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jovial
Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
The jovial Francis became pope because the conservative and cerebral Benedict XVI resigned on Feb. 28, 2013.
—Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
The Network Brass Winnie Landell (Helen Hunt) Photo: Courtesy of Max
This network executive responsible for Late Night with Deborah Vance’s success is jovial yet mean in the way that only a woman who’s worked in Hollywood for too long and has seen way too much can be.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
All that gnashing and suckling is old hat — as old as the burgundy fedora Jordan slips on when playing the more jovial of these brothers in arms.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jovial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jovial
Adjective
-
Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
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
Adjective
-
And in the middle is a holiday associated with merry drinking and a centuries-old religious figure: St. Patrick's Day.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA TODAY,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Not so merry Mary Nothing was ever easy for Mary this season.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Radio City Music Hall, the elegant home of the Rockettes, was festive and expectant — at least for about three and a half quarters.—
David Waldstein,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
Also available at Nordstrom, Reformation’s Mireille Ruffle Puff Sleeve Dress offers the same summer-ready fabric with festive details like dainty ties and an ultra-soft viscose material.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the video was a group of dogs, and a professional dog walker managing the calm and cheerful pack, sitting beautifully for the camera.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
-
Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jovial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jovial. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share