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.

Another film, “Gasman,” was full of jolly japes about everyday corruption.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

And if she'd jolly well kept herself to herself and been nominated as a leading actress they would have nominated me in supporting.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

And maybe Van Dyke is a little like Santa: white hair, rosy cheeks, jolly and wholesome.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

When embarking on technical descriptions, he often adds a touch of whimsy to jolly the reader along.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

I did not relish using my dagger, so I befriended a jolly friar large enough to be of some protection.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

jolly

Example Sentences

Related Words