1
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
a facetious and tasteless remark about people in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of facetious
Since returning to the White House in January, he’s repeatedly teased the idea of running again — but, unlike his recent comments, his past remarks have appeared to be facetious.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat.
—Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for facetious
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat.
—Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
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This time around, Lilo and Nani’s Ohana is expanded to her witty and wise neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill), an original character, and Nani’s easygoing crush David (Kaipo Dudoit), who is retconned here as Tūtū’s grandson.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
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Life, death, crime, kitsch, nostalgia, immigrant aspirations and witty design — all of these elements converge in the world of motels, which didn’t exist before 1925.—
Christopher Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
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Shows can only be so cute or funny or familiar or fresh.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
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It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The outright comedy relief (notably Milo Mechem-Miller and Christopher Burnside as Bill-and-Ted-like sidekicks to the Prince) doesn’t quite work; ditto the attempt to paint Snow, the Prince and their friends in flippant modern-youth terms, while simultaneously selling classic fairy-tale romance.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
2 May 2025
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But in the wider community, the word can sound flippant or even objectifying.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Time,
29 May 2025
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The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Rhinestone pasties peeked out just beneath the neckline, a playful, unexpected twist that only SZA could elevate.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
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This red bubble bandeau dress is playful, fun and effortlessly coquettish.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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