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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.

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

And this is no joke, either: On Sunday, Fangraphs projected the Dodgers’ chance of winning the World Series at 44% and the Brewers’ chance at 11%.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

At the moment, these transactions and holdings may look good on paper, and the trading-fee revenues are no joke.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2025

Some of them come and help out, like Mrs. Rooks and this sun ain’t no joke.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas