facetious

adjective

fə-ˈsē-shəs How to pronounce facetious (audio)
Definition of facetiousnext
1
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred a facetious and tasteless remark about people in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word facetious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of facetious are humorous, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," 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 facetious?

The words humorous and facetious can be used in similar contexts, but humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How are the words jocose and facetious related?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When can jocular be used instead of facetious?

The synonyms jocular and facetious are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When could witty be used to replace facetious?

While the synonyms witty and facetious are close in meaning, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

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 facetious The first thing he was asked, by another reporter who witnessed the debate, was a facetious question of whether he’s given MVP any thought. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2026 His Ukraine rock show is as facetious as Bono’s visits to Zelenskyy, those grip-and-grin photo ops done in the middle of what the media tells us is a war. — Armond White, National Review, 17 May 2024 Powell was, of course, being facetious, as the low-quality videos featured the actor as a teen running and jumping in the street and lip-syncing to the song while wearing a yacht captain’s hat. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025 His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
  1. witty
  2. cute
  3. humorous
  4. flippant
  5. clever
  6. playful
Adjective
  • Weeks’ mother described her daughter as passionate about music and justice, witty and compassionate.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Brought to you by Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby is a comedy memorable for its distinctive storyline, witty dialogue, and stellar performances—especially from Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, and star Rachel Sennott.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Definition of witty
Adjective
  • Berries, given their naturally tiny nature, are a super cute choice.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • The pair have to find their friends (JJ included) which leads to a cute game of peekaboo.
    — Parents, Parents, 3 July 2026
Definition of cute
Adjective
  • His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • The original intent was to show female athletes standing strong against unsportsmanlike conduct in a humorous way … nothing more.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Definition of humorous
Adjective
  • Your method of dismissing your flippant remarks, then, is probably the next best option to silence.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Chick lit was flippant and fizzy and fun, above all, as effervescent and guiltless as a vodka soda.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 4 May 2026
Definition of flippant
Adjective
  • See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
  • Later in the day, your mind finds a clever solution, a useful contact or a whole new point of view.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • The bar program is playful, colorful and communal — expect to see a little something for everyone.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The playful exchange is the latest glimpse into the couple's famously candid relationship.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of playful

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on facetious

Nglish: Translation of facetious for Spanish Speakers

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