Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

jolly

[jol-ee] / ˈdʒɒl i /
ADJECTIVE
laughing, joyful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
carefree cheerful chipper convivial enjoyable festive jovial joyous lighthearted merry playful pleasant
STRONG
entertaining gay joshing larking
WEAK
blithe blithesome bouncy chirpy daffy delightful frolicsome gladsome gleeful happy jocund jokey jubilant lots of laughs mirthful sportive sprightly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
depressed disagreeable gloomy grave sad serious troubled unhappy unpleasant upset worried
STRONG
dull unamusing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To put down the ideas in one’s head requires no one else—no friends, no neighbors, no jolly group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Ms. Wiles seems, in the piece, to have been allowed, perhaps even encouraged, to view her interlocutor as her friend, her jolly confidante.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Evan is also staying jolly, having joked that he would soon be going really fast in his wheelchair, which he currently uses at school.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

The display in posh Kingston upon Thames in southwest London at first glance seems to depict a jolly crowd enjoying the festive season.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

I’m feeling this weird pressure to be extra jolly and talkative.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.