facetious
/fəˈsiːʃəs/
ADJECTIVE
1. Humorous in a deliberately playful way
Treating serious subjects or situations with deliberate humor, often by making jokes or amusing remarks rather than responding seriously.
1.1. Joking and playful conversation
Describes remarks, comments, or conversations intended to amuse through clever, witty, or playful humor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- serious
- solemn
- grave
- earnest
- sober
- humorless
- unfunny
- unhumorous
Examples
- He made a facetious remark about the unusually long meeting.
- Her facetious comments kept everyone laughing during the discussion.
- The speaker adopted a facetious tone to make the presentation more entertaining.
Related Words
- humor
- wit
- joke
- jest
- banter
- pleasantry
- wordplay
- repartee
1.2. Witty and cleverly amusing
Describes someone or something displaying clever humor, sharp wit, or amusing verbal expression.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The writer was known for his facetious observations about everyday life.
- Her facetious response demonstrated a quick and entertaining sense of humor.
Related Words
- intelligence
- cleverness
- quick-wittedness
- sarcasm
- irony
- satire
- repartee
ADJECTIVE
2. Inappropriately humorous or not serious
Making jokes or treating something lightly when the situation calls for seriousness, sincerity, or respect.
2.1. Flippant remarks about serious matters
Describes comments or behavior that make light of important, sensitive, or serious subjects, potentially appearing disrespectful or inappropriate.
Synonyms
- flippant
- irreverent
- frivolous
- flip
- glib
- lighthearted
- nonchalant
- offhand
- carefree
Antonyms
- serious
- solemn
- grave
- earnest
- respectful
- reverent
- thoughtful
- sincere
Examples
- His facetious response to the tragic news offended several people.
- The manager disliked facetious remarks during important business meetings.
- She realized that her facetious comment was inappropriate for the occasion.
Related Words
2.2. Not intended to be taken literally
Describes statements or suggestions made jokingly or ironically rather than as genuine expressions of belief, intention, or fact.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- His suggestion that they cancel the entire project was completely facetious.
- She made a facetious comment about becoming president of the company.
- I was being facetious when I said we should work through the weekend.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
3. Given to joking and humorous behavior
Characterized by a tendency to make jokes, engage in playful conversation, or entertain others through amusing remarks.
3.1. A joking and humorous personality
Describes a person who frequently makes jokes, enjoys witty conversation, and tends to approach interactions with playful humor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- serious
- solemn
- grave
- sober
- somber
- humorless
- staid
Examples
- His facetious personality made him popular among his colleagues.
- She was known as a facetious individual who could find humor in almost any situation.
- The facetious host entertained the guests with witty remarks and playful jokes.
Related Words
- personality
- playfulness
- merriment
- wit
- joviality
- mischief
- entertainment