facetious

/fəˈsiːʃəs/adjective

Joking about serious matters in a way that seems out of place.

Example sentence

“Stop being facetious; this is a real emergency.”

Not a synonym for 'funny': it criticizes the timing, not the joke. 'I was being facetious' is a standard way to walk back a remark taken seriously.

Featured as word of the day on June 28, 2026.

Related words

facilitateTo help a process happen more smoothly or with less difficulty.facetOne of the small flat polished surfaces on a cut gemstone.facultyThe teachers and researchers of a school, college, or university, as distinct from its students and support workers.facadeThe outer front wall of a building, especially the side that faces the street.faithfulStaying loyal and devoted to a person, promise, or cause.fabulousConnected with fables, myths, or legend.