jolly
1 of 4adjective
jol·ly ˈjä-lē 
jollier; jolliest
1
a(1)
: full of high spirits : joyous
think no more, lad; laugh, be jolly
A. E. Housman
A. E. Housman (2)
: given to conviviality : jovial
a jolly companion
b
: expressing, suggesting, or inspiring lively happiness and good cheer : cheerful
jolly laughter
2
: extremely pleasant or agreeable : splendid
had a jolly time
jolly
2 of 4adverb
: very
would … do as they were jolly well told John Stockbridge
John Stockbridgejolly
3 of 4noun
plural jollies
1
chiefly British : a good time : jollification
2
jollies plural : kicks
get their jollies by reenacting famous murders H. F. Waters
H. F. Watersjolly
4 of 4verb
jollied; jollying
intransitive verb
: to engage in good-natured banter
jollied and joked with sailors in the street Dixon Wecter
Dixon Wectertransitive verb
: to put or try to put in good humor especially to gain an end
try to pay for their entertainment by jollying us along S. E. White
S. E. White
Synonyms
Adjective
- blithe
- blithesome
- festive
- gay
- gleeful
- jocose
- jocular
- jocund
- jovial
- laughing
- merry
- mirthful
- sunny
Adverb
- achingly
- almighty
- archly
- awful
- awfully
- badly
- beastly
- blisteringly
- bone
- colossally
- corking
- cracking
- damn
- damned
- dang
- deadly
- desperately
- eminently
- enormously
- especially
- ever
- exceedingly
- exceeding
- extra
- extremely
- fabulously
- fantastically
- far
- fiercely
- filthy
- frightfully
- full
- greatly
- heavily
- highly
- hugely
- immensely
- incredibly
- intensely
- majorly
- mightily
- mighty
- monstrous [chiefly dialect]
- mortally
- most
- much
- particularly
- passing
- rattling
- real
- really
- right
- roaring
- roaringly
- seriously
- severely
- so
- sore
- sorely
- spanking
- specially
- stinking
- such
- super
- supremely
- surpassingly
- terribly
- that
- thumping
- too
- unco
- uncommonly
- vastly
- very
- vitally
- way
- whacking
- wicked
- wildly
Noun
- bang
- boot
- charge
- exhilaration
- frisson
- kick
- rush
- thrill
- titillation
- wallop
Verb
- banter
- chaff
- fool
- fun
- gag
- jape
- jest
- jive
- joke
- josh
- kid
- quip
- wisecrack
- yuk [slang]
- yuck
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective Our boss was a very jolly man, always laughing. She had a jolly time at the party. Adverb “I've finished my assignment.” “Jolly good!” She learned to be jolly careful in his presence. Verb spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Recent Examples on the Web Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 19 Aug. 2022 At a quick glance, the flora of Hyde Park has inspired Apple to provide this jolly scene. David Phelan, Forbes, 18 July 2022 After a party, Kamala returns home and in a jolly mood starts dancing though her house and the living room to this classic tune, in a dream-like sequence. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 June 2022 Diplo was there for a little over an hour when his tour manager, Keaton Kinnaman, a jolly, bearded man, pulled him away for the 20-minute drive to Oasis. New York Times, 13 May 2022 This jolly exploration into the surprisingly complicated world of marmalade is a ray of sunshine, with Olivia Potts’ wonderful writing resonating with the joy that exploring this realm brings her. Longreads, 21 Apr. 2022 Western Christmas tradition centers on the jolly figure of Santa Claus and his workshop manned by adorably cheery elves at the North Pole. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2021 As a special treat for all Beauty Insiders, the retailer is offering deals on luxury brands like Olaplex and Dior that will put shoppers in a jolly mood. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Dec. 2021 In a production that could feel mechanical at times, E. Mani Cadet was all heart as the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present — but didn’t neglect the darker side of his spectral character when called for. Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, 14 Dec. 2021 John Benson, cleveland, 13 July 2022 While watching the match, Boynton and Malek appeared quite jolly and smitten. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 9 July 2022 Known for throwing jolly London celebrations with Dolly Parton and Cher tribute acts, chintzy decorations and the kitschiest of catering, the designer is the hostess with the mostest—and then some. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 6 July 2022 Several series from the mid-20th century, when TV was a jolly affair across the board, are available to stream. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 16 June 2022 Photographs show Pym looking jolly and perspicacious, with charmingly crooked English teeth. Thomas Mallon, The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 Upended by guilt and grief, she's booked two weeks at a house in the English countryside that turns out to exceed all Airbnb fantasies: a grand old manor owned by a jolly, horse-y type called Geoffrey (veteran British character actor Rory Kinnear). Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 9 May 2022 Brilliantly, Atlanta presented a physical location where all the people canceled by society could have a jolly good time without being judged for their reprehensible behavior. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 6 May 2022 The name gianduiotto is thought to come from carnival figure Gianduja, a jolly wine-loving peasant, popular in the 1800s, who embodied the epicurean nature of locals. Silvia Marchetti, CNN, 5 May 2022 Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019 So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession. Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017 See More
Adjective
The JoBros created their own jolly tune in 2019 and 100% understood the assignment. Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 19 Aug. 2022 At a quick glance, the flora of Hyde Park has inspired Apple to provide this jolly scene. David Phelan, Forbes, 18 July 2022 After a party, Kamala returns home and in a jolly mood starts dancing though her house and the living room to this classic tune, in a dream-like sequence. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 June 2022 Diplo was there for a little over an hour when his tour manager, Keaton Kinnaman, a jolly, bearded man, pulled him away for the 20-minute drive to Oasis. New York Times, 13 May 2022 This jolly exploration into the surprisingly complicated world of marmalade is a ray of sunshine, with Olivia Potts’ wonderful writing resonating with the joy that exploring this realm brings her. Longreads, 21 Apr. 2022 Western Christmas tradition centers on the jolly figure of Santa Claus and his workshop manned by adorably cheery elves at the North Pole. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2021 As a special treat for all Beauty Insiders, the retailer is offering deals on luxury brands like Olaplex and Dior that will put shoppers in a jolly mood. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Dec. 2021 In a production that could feel mechanical at times, E. Mani Cadet was all heart as the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present — but didn’t neglect the darker side of his spectral character when called for. Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, 14 Dec. 2021 Adverb
There will also be photo opportunities with a certain jolly fellow making a summer visit from the North Pole. John Benson, cleveland, 13 July 2022 While watching the match, Boynton and Malek appeared quite jolly and smitten. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 9 July 2022 Known for throwing jolly London celebrations with Dolly Parton and Cher tribute acts, chintzy decorations and the kitschiest of catering, the designer is the hostess with the mostest—and then some. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 6 July 2022 Several series from the mid-20th century, when TV was a jolly affair across the board, are available to stream. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 16 June 2022 Photographs show Pym looking jolly and perspicacious, with charmingly crooked English teeth. Thomas Mallon, The New Yorker, 30 May 2022 Upended by guilt and grief, she's booked two weeks at a house in the English countryside that turns out to exceed all Airbnb fantasies: a grand old manor owned by a jolly, horse-y type called Geoffrey (veteran British character actor Rory Kinnear). Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 9 May 2022 Brilliantly, Atlanta presented a physical location where all the people canceled by society could have a jolly good time without being judged for their reprehensible behavior. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 6 May 2022 The name gianduiotto is thought to come from carnival figure Gianduja, a jolly wine-loving peasant, popular in the 1800s, who embodied the epicurean nature of locals. Silvia Marchetti, CNN, 5 May 2022 Noun
Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Audiences began to take notice of this less-than-jolly movie that flooded the airways at Christmas time, and thus a holiday tradition was born. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Verb
As to the political will needed to jolly the process along, and arrange payment for those parts of the programme that will not pay for themselves, this can push both ways. The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019 So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession. Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective, Adverb, Noun, and Verb
Middle English joli, from Anglo-French jolif, from jol-, probably from Old Norse jōl midwinter festival — more at yule
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Adverb
1549, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1610, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense
Phrases Containing jolly
Kids Definition
jolly 1 of 2
adjective
jol·ly ˈjä-lē
jollier; jolliest
: full of fun or joy
jolly
2 of 2adverb
: very entry 1 sense 1
We had a jolly good time.
jolly 1 of 3
adjective
1
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor an especially jolly crowd of well-wishers at their wedding reception Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- merry
- festive
- cheerful
- jovial
- mirthful
- lively
- jocund
- laughing
- joyful
- gleeful
- sunny
- funny
- happy
- witty
- jocular
- jocose
- blithe
- amused
- blithesome
- playful
- smiling
- bright
- humorous
- amusing
- cheery
- delighted
- spirited
- joyous
- gay
- joking
- perky
- carefree
- lighthearted
- upbeat
- giggling
- animated
- chipper
- buoyant
- exuberant
- jaunty
- jubilant
- frisky
- sprightly
- chuckling
- peppy
- vivacious
- blissful
- ecstatic
- gladsome
- frolicsome
- lightsome
- optimistic
- exultant
- beaming
- hilarious
- jesting
- zippy
- thrilled
- bouncing
- easygoing
- rapturous
- sportive
- blessed
- euphoric
- flippant
- overjoyed
- elated
- tickled
- rosy
- joshing
- facetious
- exhilarated
- radiant
- enraptured
- comical
- high
- cavalier
- hopeful
- unconcerned
- happy-go-lucky
- riotous
- sanguine
- insouciant
- ravished
- uproarious
- farcical
- entranced
- comic
- blest
- antic
- sprightful
- devil-may-care
- sidesplitting
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sad
- glum
- unhappy
- melancholy
- blue
- sorrowful
- forlorn
- disconsolate
- depressed
- dispirited
- downcast
- aggrieved
- dejected
- crestfallen
- downhearted
- anguished
- despondent
- abject
- lugubrious
- disgruntled
- moody
- heartsick
- crying
- joyless
- discontented
- doleful
- heartbroken
- mournful
- disheartened
- saddened
- glum
- brokenhearted
- wailing
- gloomy
- cheerless
- heavyhearted
- morose
- weeping
- sombre
- sullen
- dark
- moaning
- somber
- dolorous
- bleak
- grey
- low-spirited
- dreary
- sobbing
- lachrymose
- black
- woeful
- plaintive
- sorry
- depressing
- saturnine
- dismal
- miserable
- gray
- woebegone
- desolate
- groaning
- wretched
- dull
- comfortless
- sluggish
- lethargic
- listless
- torpid
2
as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses we always have a jolly time at their seaside cottage Synonyms & Similar Words
- pleasant
- delightful
- sweet
- nice
- enjoyable
- delicious
- pleasing
- good
- satisfying
- pretty
- welcome
- heavenly
- congenial
- amusing
- happy
- pleasurable
- agreeable
- soothing
- tasty
- darling
- blessed
- grateful
- tempting
- felicitous
- comforting
- dreamy
- charming
- cheerful
- delectable
- comfortable
- gratifying
- luscious
- dulcet
- savory
- attractive
- palatable
- fascinating
- desirable
- savoury
- cheery
- entertaining
- delightsome
- blest
- blissful
- joyous
- amiable
- inviting
- affable
- enchanting
- genial
- alluring
- enviable
- calming
- goodly
- good-natured
- gracious
- kindly
- hospitable
- relishable
- personable
- recreative
- glad
- exhilarating
- ecstatic
- rapturous
- diverting
- euphoric
- intoxicating
- felicific
- gemütlich
- elating
- nirvanic
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unpleasant
- disagreeable
- miserable
- ghastly
- obnoxious
- unwelcome
- horrid
- wretched
- abominable
- hellish
- dull
- unpalatable
- vile
- sad
- tedious
- bilious
- boring
- disgusting
- odious
- repulsive
- repugnant
- offensive
- flat
- distasteful
- unhappy
- hateful
- gloomy
- irksome
- insipid
- detestable
- unsavory
- joyless
- lugubrious
- commonplace
- yucky
- repellent
- dreary
- abhorrent
- depressing
- doleful
- dismal
- mournful
- tragic
- sorrowful
- annoying
- pleasureless
- stale
- lachrymose
- irritating
- tragical
- yukky
- lamentable
- hostile
- dolorous
- revulsive
- vexing
- deplorable
- regrettable
- exasperating
- dissatisfying
- god-awful
- aggravating
- displeasing
- disheartening
- repellant
- heartbreaking
- perturbing
- forbidding
- maddening
- heartrending
- intimidating
- infuriating
- disturbing
- distressing
- upsetting
- peeving
- enraging
- rankling
- riling
- outraging
- angering
- incensing
- inflaming
- enflaming
jolly
2 of 3adverb
as in very
to a great degree I jolly well agree that you did the right thing has become a jolly careful driver since his recent accident Synonyms & Similar Words
- very
- extremely
- damned
- terribly
- incredibly
- damn
- too
- super
- highly
- so
- badly
- full
- really
- that
- mighty
- awfully
- real
- fantastically
- exceptionally
- seriously
- fabulously
- severely
- frightfully
- intensely
- desperately
- wildly
- awful
- most
- good and
- especially
- wicked
- filthy
- far
- supremely
- particularly
- exceedingly
- greatly
- uncommonly
- such
- heavily
- much
- specially
- immensely
- eminently
- remarkably
- fiercely
- hugely
- roaring
- roaringly
- way
- stinking
- surpassingly
- cracking
- whacking
- sore
- dang
- deadly
- extra
- monstrous
- corking
- unco
- vitally
- absolutely
- enormously
- beastly
- archly
- utterly
- positively
- rattling
- totally
- thumping
- almighty
- thoroughly
- achingly
- passing
- exceeding
- a lot
- bone
- mortally
- spanking
- completely
- blisteringly
- downright
- wholly
- mightily
- vastly
- deeply
- entirely
- colossally
- sorely
- majorly
- right
- noticeably
- profoundly
- ever
- considerably
- significantly
- visibly
- fully
- obviously
- purely
- as all get-out
- radically
- notably
- substantially
- obscenely
- palpably
- markedly
- amazingly
- excessively
- plentifully
- astonishingly
- monstrously
- discernibly
- abundantly
- grandly
- flat-out
- monumentally
- extensively
- plainly
- staggeringly
- altogether
- appreciably
- overmuch
- astronomically
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- little
- somewhat
- slightly
- nominally
- just
- hardly
- negligibly
- scarcely
- marginally
- minimally
- scantily
- barely
- meagerly
jolly
3 of 3verb
as in to joke
to make jokes spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories Synonyms & Similar Words
- joke
- fun
- banter
- jest
- jape
- fool
- yuck
- kid
- quip
- jive
- wisecrack
- yuk
- josh
- crack wise
- amuse
- gag
- jibe
- gibe
- rag
- jeer
- chaff
- caricature
- tease
- ridicule
- parody
- entertain
- haze
- rib
- mock
- razz
- satirize
- lampoon
- rally
- divert
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of jolly are blithe, jocund, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.
our jolly host enlivened the party
In some situations, the words blithe and jolly are roughly equivalent. However, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.
arrived late in his usual blithe way
Although the words jocund and jolly have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.
singing, dancing, and jocund feasting
The synonyms jovial and jolly are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.
dinner put them in a jovial mood
The words merry and jolly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.
a merry group of revelers