Jocularly

In a cheerful, joking manner.

Reach for it when describing good-humored speech in formal or slightly old-fashioned prose

He jocularly introduced the dog as the office supervisor.

• playful

  in fun

  plain language should reassure that no harm was meant

  not when Good intent alone does not ensure that the remark was harmless.

• everyday

  jokingly

  the statement should not be understood literally

  not when Jokingly marks nonliteral intent, even if the social manner feels cold.

• warm

  playfully

  light affection makes the humor safe

  not when Playfully can modify nonverbal actions and is broader than joking.

• professional

  wittily

  clever phrasing deserves explicit praise

  not when Wittily is wrong for a simple good-natured joke.

• formal

  facetiously

  deliberate unseriousness about a serious topic is the fact

  not when Facetiously often carries criticism and may imply evasion.

• literary

  genially

  warm friendliness matters more than the joke

  not when Genially can describe sincere speech with no humor.

• solemnly
• seriously
• coldly

• jocularly observed

  She jocularly observed that the kettle had joined the discussion.

• jocularly called

  He jocularly called the tiny shed the western headquarters.

• speak jocularly

  The chair could speak jocularly once the safety issue was resolved.

• Jocular adj.
• Jocularity n.

Jocularly is rare. Jokingly or playfully will usually be clearer.