cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits : merry

a cheerful host

b

: ungrudging

cheerful obedience

2

: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry

sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

ˈchir-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

ˈchir-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of cheerful

• bright
• optimistic
• cheery
• sunny
• upbeat
• smiling
• buoyant

Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

Recent Examples on the Web

The writers Leah Abrams and Heather Akumiah have a cheerful, often giddy rapport. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025

This Ohio River pedestrian bridge is bedecked in cheerful twinkling lights for the holidays. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025

We’re thrilled that Walt Disney World will serve as the immersive setting for a Hallmark holiday movie highlighting the cheerful festivities of the season. —Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025

Think cheerful puppy photos for a positive mood, and more downbeat images of dogs in difficult situations for the negative. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheerful

• fearful
• tearful

Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits

a cheerful outlook

b

: willing sense 3

cheerful obedience

2

: pleasantly bright

a sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun