JOLLY Synonyms: 462 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'jolly' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jolly are blithe , jocund , jovial , and merry . While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting. // our jolly host enlivened the party

Q: Where would 'blithe' be a reasonable alternative to 'jolly'?

In some situations, the words blithe and jolly are roughly equivalent. However, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety. // arrived late in his usual blithe way

Q: When is it sensible to use 'jocund' instead of 'jolly'?

Although the words jocund and jolly have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits. // singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

Q: When could 'jovial' be used to replace 'jolly'?

The synonyms jovial and jolly are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship. // dinner put them in a jovial mood

Q: When is 'merry' a more appropriate choice than 'jolly'?

The words merry and jolly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity. // a merry group of revelers

jolly 1 of 3

adjective

ˈjä-lē

Definition of jolly

as in merry

indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor an especially jolly crowd of well-wishers at their wedding reception

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pleasant

giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses we always have a jolly time at their seaside cottage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jolly

2 of 3

adverb

as in very

to a great degree I jolly well agree that you did the right thing has become a jolly careful driver since his recent accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jolly

3 of 3

verb

as in to joke

to make jokes spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective jolly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jolly are blithe, jocund, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

Where would blithe be a reasonable alternative to jolly?

In some situations, the words blithe and jolly are roughly equivalent. However, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When is it sensible to use jocund instead of jolly?

Although the words jocund and jolly have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When could jovial be used to replace jolly?

The synonyms jovial and jolly are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When is merry a more appropriate choice than jolly?

The words merry and jolly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

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 jolly

Adjective

The problem was that plenty of officials from both the government and national association wanted in on the glory, piggy-backing on the team for a jolly trip to the World Cup. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026 The Tar Heels went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but the next inning Gallaher and his teammates were having a jolly time on a clear and cool evening at Charles Schwab Field. — CBS News, 14 June 2026

Adverb

Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 His job is basically to keep poachers away and to make sure that there are enough pheasants for a jolly shooting party (which, since Sir Clifford uses a wheelchair, seems an improbable entertainment at Wragby). — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Verb

Director Nisha Ganatra jollies it along, with editor Eleanor Infante making as much rhythmic sense of the mix-ups and physical craziness as possible. — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 As to the political will needed to jolly the process along, and arrange payment for those parts of the programme that will not pay for themselves, this can push both ways. — The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for jolly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly

Adjective

Rather than getting stuck or trying to figure out a way to navigate around an obstacle, the robot can simply leap over it and continue on its merry way.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
After tuning up, Batiste led his merry band of musicians to their stage.

— Marc Lieberman, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of merry

Adjective

Jacaranda trees bloom in purple across the city’s streets and parks, making wandering between neighborhoods in search of milongas (tango dance halls) especially pleasant.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
In a world of endless technical advancement, who could have predicted that the greatest luxury of all would be a pleasant conversation with a human?

— Anna van Praagh, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adverb

For example, because of their own home-buying timeline, a seller may need to close very quickly or may need more time than usual.

— Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of very

Adjective

Featuring 36 pieces spanning handbags, jewelry, and footwear, the festive edit has something for everyone on your list, from the fabulous women in your life to the equally stylish men.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
It was also realized that having festive crowds enjoying the sight of a someone being killed was unseemly, exposing the base instincts that lie within us.

— Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of festive

Adjective

By redesigning the work product—an important element of the daily routines—work became more enjoyable for the employees.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Once night falls and the Delta breeze carries away any remaining daytime warmth, climbing becomes a far more enjoyable experience.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyable

Browse Nearby Words

jollity

jolly

jolly boat

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Style

“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of jolly

adjective

adverb

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

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Articles Related to jolly

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