Definitions

jovial

[joh-vee-uhl] / ˈdʒoʊ vi əl /

ADJECTIVE

happy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable amiable buoyant cheery chipper convivial cordial festive good-natured jolly lighthearted pleasant sociable

WEAK

airy animated bantering blithe blithesome bouncy chaffing chirpy companionable conversable daffy delightful dizzy enjoyable facetious festal gay glad gleeful hilarious humorous jocose jocund jokey jollying joshing jubilant larking loony lots of laughs merry mirthful nutty off-the-wall

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depressed disagreeable gloomy hateful heavy-hearted mean surly unfriendly unhappy unpleasant unsociable

WEAK

sad

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.

But for now he is a jovial Irish scamp, with the merest hint of a dark streak; where Sherlock comes from money, James, as he’s called here, is at school on a scholarship.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

The dictator was in a jovial mood and the two spoke for four hours, dining on black bread, potato pancakes and an array of meats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

“I hope people will see me and see a happy, jovial person who has the same heritage as them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2025

Since arriving in New York last weekend, Raducanu has cut a jovial figure - particularly during her outing alongside Carlos Alcaraz in the revamped mixed doubles event.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

Uncle Pete, who was usually as dormant as a snake while digesting, was now animated and jovial.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Vocabulary lists containing jovial

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words to Capture Your Joy

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!