1
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
2
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
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
as in to joke
to make jokes
spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of jolly
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
The shiny, vinyl-like fabric gave the look a modern, sporty edge, tying it back to the game-day setting.
Mahomes and Kelce paired the festive jolly coats with their red and white Chiefs uniforms, blending seamlessly with the football team’s signature colors.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Guys the size of Reed, 6 feet 10 and 260, can be easy going, jolly giants, or too-gentle giants that can drive a coach crazy.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession.
—Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Adjective
The musician also passed away on Christmas Day back in 2016, so the jolly time is also somewhat somber for longtime lovers of the artist.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
The shiny, vinyl-like fabric gave the look a modern, sporty edge, tying it back to the game-day setting.
Mahomes and Kelce paired the festive jolly coats with their red and white Chiefs uniforms, blending seamlessly with the football team’s signature colors.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
Adverb
But all was not so jolly when things first picked up from last week’s cliffhanger.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Guys the size of Reed, 6 feet 10 and 260, can be easy going, jolly giants, or too-gentle giants that can drive a coach crazy.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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
So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession.
—Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
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This merry, hour-long holiday extravaganza will be stacked with gifts for Bravo fans and feature a number of Yuletide Bravolebrity performances.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
Martin and his merry band of Coldplay troubadours – guitarist Jonny Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion – unleashed their infectious brand of rock May 31 on an adoring California crowd to kick off the final leg of a three year tour that wraps in London this September.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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View 7 Images The Tiffin GH1 all-terrain camper van was one of the most pleasant RV surprises of 2024.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 May 2025
Adverb
-
Wilkerson said dental procedures are generally very safe.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
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King Charles is very sick, and there are reports that succession plans are already underway.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
President Donald Trump’s administration has sent hundreds of Venezuelan deportees to languish in Salvadoran prisons this year, joking with Mr. Bukele in the oval office in April about imprisoning U.S. citizens in El Salvador as well.—
Nelson Mauricio Rauda Zablah,
Christian Science Monitor,
6 June 2025
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Hudson previously joked about the fact that each of her kids has a different father during an appearance on Sunday Today with Willie Geist.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
6 June 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
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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
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While the absurd shenanigans are fun, the real joy is watching a delightful del Toro and refreshing Threapleton navigating the oddly heartfelt family reconnection.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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Barack Obama is the most unbelievably delightful man.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
5 June 2025
Adverb
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No vaccine is perfect, the experts said, but the risk with the Covid vaccine is extremely small and the problems like a sore arm or a low-grade fever that some of his patients have experienced resolved quickly.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
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Stef Stef is extremely mature and grounded in her investigation of the Goon Docks.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
So, this is a terrible – terribly misguided policy.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
1 June 2025
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Walker is not terribly splitty, and the Cardinals committed to giving him consistent playing time.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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