delightful

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl 

dē-

: highly pleasing

a delightful surprise

enjoyed a delightful brunch

delightfully

di-ˈlīt-fə-lē 

dē-

adverb

delightfulness noun

Synonyms of delightful

• pleasant
• delicious
• enjoyable
• nice
• sweet
• pleasing
• satisfying
• good
• heavenly
• welcome

Examples of delightful in a Sentence

It has been delightful meeting you.

That was a delightful party.

Recent Examples on the Web

The actor, 86, finds the revelation delightful, triggering a hint of whimsical glee reminiscent of Gandalf himself. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband is a handsome cowboy and her six children are each more delightful than the last. —Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026

But cookbook author Joshua McFadden’s Spring Carbonara, which uses a ton of fresh spring peas, is absolutely delightful. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026

Surrounded by a delightful cast of weirdos — with a scene-stealing, hilarious turn by Marc Maron as sleazy director Sam Sylvia — GLOW is a comedy match-up worth cheering for. —Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deliteful, from delite delight entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for delightful

• insightful
• frightful
• rightful
• spiteful

Kids Definition

delightful

adjective

de·​light·​ful di-ˈlīt-fəl 

: highly pleasing : giving delight

delightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

delightfulness noun