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 His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025 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 To be facetious, how many of those people who committed mass murder in the fifth largest city in America went to death row? — Dave Zirin, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025 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 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
  • With a captivating bank fraud mystery, and two irresistible love stories, Kleypas’ uniquely wise and witty novel is a gem.
    — Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Revived for the first time since 2011, this production, directed by John Benjamin Hickey, is gutting, witty and painfully timely.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of witty
Adjective
  • At their on-screen meet cute, Apatow hands Bamford $500 cash just to pitch her on her own documentary.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The showstopper is a very cute idea where each baker has to make a dessert cart with at least three classic desserts on it.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of cute
Adjective
  • Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes recalled a humorous story about Bailey while speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Absurd and darkly humorous drama, offering an unconventional take on aging, loneliness and human dignity.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of humorous
Adjective
  • But there is a saying in the military that leadership sets the tone, and when the most senior leaders are flippant at best, and cruel at worst, many will understand that to be the permissible standard.
    — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Kyles suggested, recalling her immediate response to the president’s seemingly flippant remark.
    — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of flippant
Adjective
  • The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • In a Harris Poll survey published Wednesday, 65% of American adults reported spending $100 or more on playful activities or products — such as craft kits or action figures — for personal enjoyment between June 2025 and June 2026.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • For Grande, whose ponytail has long been as recognizable as her voice, the new look is a playful departure that still stays true to her vibe.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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