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Definitions

no joke

ADJECTIVE
absolute
Synonyms
STRONGEST
complete full infinite outright pure sheer simple unadulterated unconditional unlimited unqualified utter
STRONG
entire free total unabridged
WEAK
consummate downright flat out no catch no fine print no holds barred no ifs ands or buts no strings attached plenary straight out supreme thorough unrestricted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bounded conditional incomplete indefinite limited needy qualified uncertain unfinished
STRONG
abridged part partial
WEAK
accountable circumscribed complaisant compliant dependent flawed imperfect restricted submissive tractable yielding
ADJECTIVE
arbitrary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
autocratic
WEAK
absolute bossy despotic dogmatic domineering downright flat out high-handed imperious magisterial monocratic no ifs ands or buts overbearing peremptory straight out summary tyrannical tyrannous
Antonyms
WEAK
circumspect democratic rational reasonable reasoned supported
ADJECTIVE
serious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dangerous deep difficult far-reaching grievous important major meaningful severe significant tough urgent
WEAK
arduous fateful fell formidable grave grim hard heavy laborious meaning business menacing momentous no laughing matter of consequence operose out for blood playing hard ball pressing smoking sobering strenuous strictly business threatening ugly unamusing unhumorous worrying
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm easy facile friendly insignificant little meaningless minor small trivial unimportant worthless
WEAK
flippant funny happy light unserious
NOUN
real McCoy
Synonyms
WEAK
McCoy genuine article goods gospel no imitation real thing very thing

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.

Some of them, men and women, thought I was kidding, but I assured them it was no joke.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

The time difference back to the States was no joke.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Donald Trump has ridiculed Denmark's defence of Greenland as amounting to "two dogsleds", but the Sirius Dogsled Patrol is no joke: the elite navy unit works in extreme conditions where only the toughest survive.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

This thing is no joke — and yes, the price reflects it.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

I almost want to laugh but the look on Elsie’s face tells me this is no joke.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston