joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news.

the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Recent Examples on the Web

Humor makes the politics travel, a rare Brazilian story that’s joyful rather than grim, visually striking, and built for audiences activist documentaries usually can’t reach. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Community members described her as a deeply kind and joyful person. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2026

Hanks’ teammates surrounded her on the pitch in an emotional celebration as the camera cut to her mother and grandmother’s joyful faces in the stands. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun