jest 1 of 2

1
as in fun
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously you should know that our teasing was done entirely in jest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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as in fool
a person or thing that is made fun of his outlandish costumes made him the jest of the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jest

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun jest differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jest are fun, game, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

In what contexts can fun take the place of jest?

Although the words fun and jest have much in common, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How are the words game and sport related as synonyms of jest?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

When is it sensible to use play instead of jest?

The words play and jest can be used in similar contexts, but play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

When could sport be used to replace jest?

The words sport and jest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jest
Noun
Proving the heckle was all in jest, Vergara smiled at the fellow actor. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 Although the 49ers have endured a trying season, the team camaraderie is evident with Aiyuk's jest toward Purdy following the Big 12 championship game. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
The two also jested about their pet peeves about each other. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023 This led him to jest about a personal request from viewers. Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 2 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for jest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jest
Noun
  • To say more would spoil the fun, but what this film demonstrates clearly is the exceptional filmmaking talent of Coogler and his team, mostly who all worked on his other films.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Par 3 Contest is a family-friendly affair that blends lighthearted fun with competitive spirit, offering a unique prelude to the intense battle for the green jacket.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Corden, as the event’s emcee, made some uncomfortable jokes about the Dow dropping 2200 points last Friday.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • After Wil Trapp scored a rare goal in Minnesota United’s 2-1 win over New York City on Sunday — and the midfielder did so from outside the 18-yard box — Michael Boxall had jokes ready for his teammate and friend in the visiting locker room at Yankee Stadium.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Joe Berton, the man whom Sports Illustrated photographed to depict a fictional Mets mega-prospect in an instant-classic April Fools Day story, visited Citi Field on Tuesday in recognition of the prank’s 40th anniversary.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Manager Emma Hayes was, at least in the moment, less impressed with the prank.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Written, performed and co-directed by Crouch, the play tells the story of a father who loses his daughter in a car accident.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • As part of its spring 2025 runway presentation, Fendi paired two bags in different hues and silhouettes for some intentional contrast play — both gripped in one hand by the models.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a bit role, Morgan McGhee delivers big laughs with her loopy take as a newscaster.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast co-host was spotted sharing a laugh with his daughter Mia and his niece Savannah Phillips on Christmas at Sandringham in December 2024, joining the royals for church on the holiday.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Alcala is often seen at Verdugo's games, sporting team gear alongside their children, Efrain, A.J. and Alianna.
    Nasha Smith, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Since Pereira took charge, 18 goals have been conceded in 14 games with a -1 goal difference.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Other styling tricks included whimsical touches on simplified outfits such as oversized scarves, bag charms, layered belts, fur accessories and extravagant strands of pearls.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After Kornacki became a pop culture sensation during the 2020 election, NBC expanded his role to sports in 2021.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Connecting Tampa event at the Women’s Final Four is an initiative that has been running for several years, designed to provide college students and young professionals with opportunities to network with influential leaders in the sports industry.
    Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jest. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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