gleeful

adjective

glee·​ful ˈglē-fəl 

: full of glee : merry

gleeful laughter

gleefully

ˈglē-fə-lē 

adverb

gleefulness noun

Synonyms of gleeful

• merry
• jolly
• festive
• cheerful

Examples of gleeful in a Sentence

the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl

Recent Examples on the Web

Or perhaps more accurately, like a gleeful romp with friends through a haunted-house attraction at a regional fair, with various creepy creatures leaping suddenly out of the darkness. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Though Koestenbaum’s novel is decidedly curious about the psychosexual aspect of obsession, the core themes—and a certain gleeful irreverence—are consistent across both texts. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026

For the sheer gleeful joy with which its participants abuse themselves and each other. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

Many competitors on Wall Street were thus gleeful when Citadel’s main fund fell by fifty-five per cent during the 2008 global financial crisis. — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gleeful

• refill