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

Not only will marigolds trap the aphids and whiteflies that threaten your cheerful gerbera daisies, but the combination of colors between the two blooms makes for the most brilliant and happy summer garden. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026

Think cheerful prints, soft fabrics, and effortless silhouettes that make matching feel elevated, not overdone. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Iowa designer Scott Johnson alternately stacked two sizes of circular pavers to create a sculptural plant stand for a cheerful yellow container. —Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026

The service Attentive and cheerful; none of your exits or entrances via the cozy lobby will go without a greeting. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026

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