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as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor a blithe remark that good food enjoyed with good company makes good wine seem even better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blithe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blithe are jocund, jolly, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

Where would jocund be a reasonable alternative to blithe?

The words jocund and blithe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When might jolly be a better fit than blithe?

The meanings of jolly and blithe largely overlap; however, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When can jovial be used instead of blithe?

The synonyms jovial and blithe are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When is merry a more appropriate choice than blithe?

Although the words merry and blithe have much in common, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

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 blithe Saul Steinberg’s artwork captured the insularity of Manhattan, the blithe sense of locals that not much beyond the island really exists nor matters. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025 Weary of dealing with angry calls from the mayor about Frank’s blithe trail of city property destruction, police chief Davis (CCH Pounder) warns him to play nice with major donor Kane, since Police Squad’s funding is at risk. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025 These lines are both nervous tics and statements of blithe confidence. Phillip MacIak, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Yes, the sun might be glancing off the snowdrifts, and the birds may be chirping away with blithe exuberance. Celine Nguyen, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for blithe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blithe
Adjective
  • Cheeky faux finishes played a big part in realizing that vision, as did cheerful color washing.
    Elizabeth Kiefer, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The account has already attracted over 63,000 followers, many of whom originally believed the cheerful residents were real.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But don’t let the tragic tale color your impression of the Park; during the holidays its annual Christmas at the Falls event transforms the area into one of the merriest and brightest spots around.
    Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Jordan Marshall isn’t nonchalant about anything.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Backing the nonchalant trio were multiple percussionists on wind chimes, congas, shakers, and more, as well as backup singers, a bassist, and an additional guitarist.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While the center has shifted its funding to focus to operating the two clinics and remaining open as a gathering space, Hawkins is still optimistic despite the losses.
    Eloise Rollins-Fife, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
  • And participants with the top 20% of stock holdings are especially optimistic.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Nov. 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
  • And because nandinas are evergreen, this carefree plant brightens the landscape all year long.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The oversized fit creates a casual, carefree look that’ll keep you comfortable from the airport to your destination, and it’s even made with a heavyweight organic cotton fabric that’ll remain warm and insulating throughout the winter.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Our list spans 84 years of festive favorites and hidden gems.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The end of year signals holiday cheer, festive feasts and of course, the yearly return of Spotify Wrapped — the streaming platform's annual review highlighting users' listening habits for the year.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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