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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 That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat. Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 Since returning to the White House in January, he’s repeatedly teased the idea of running again — but, unlike his recent comments, his past remarks have appeared to be facetious. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025 Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada. Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • This breezy placement thrives on intellectual stimulation, witty banter and an array of options.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • Wee-hours talk shows have for decades operated on the premise that the hosts served as gentle entertainers who could help audiences go off to sleep after some light banter, witty conversation and a few celebrity encounters.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Because linen pants are comfortable and cute, the options are endless.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
  • Fortunately, Amazon is having a massive sale on cute linen clothes, and prices start at just $20.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The show was a touchstone for many in Generation X — a humorous depiction of family life, only the family was middle-class and Black, something that had never been shown on TV before.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
  • The frontman's humorous heads-up came after an exec was caught canoodling with a colleague at a recent show.
    EW.com, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • But political tensions—including U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and flippant remarks about annexing Canada—have made cross-border hospitality more complicated.
    Charmaine Noronha, AFAR Media, 16 July 2025
  • In turn, much of My Face Hurts From Smiling is downright flippant.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s head (Beau Bridges), is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the twins of the zodiac, Gemini parents are playful, adaptable, and quick on their feet.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • White, who goes by Baby J, was described by cousin Raven Jackson as sweet, playful and charismatic.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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