Synonyms
Examples of joy in a Sentence
Rebekah Bastian, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
Bautista wants to spread that joy to others and save pet lives in the process.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023
Reflecting on this year's theme, Biden said magic, wonder and joy can sometimes be hard to find.
—Brittany Gaddy, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2023
For the first weekend in almost two months, relief and joy in Israel, with more than two dozen hostages returning home as part of a deal with Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
—CBS News, 26 Nov. 2023
In some ways, the looming terror of the annual Ohio State beatdown stripped some joy from the journey that should have been tapped.
—J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2023
The characters show empathy for others, particularly those in need, and learn that believing in something larger than yourself — like, say, Santa — can bring joy.
—Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023
Suit up your little bundle of joy for the winter in Primary’s puffer suit—available in several bright colors and 41% off right now—and Old Navy’s faux-suede, faux-fur booties, which are currently 50% off at checkout.
—Lauren Levy, Parents, 24 Nov. 2023
Picture the joy of unboxing a smart home device that promises to simplify life or the comfort of slipping into plush, warm joggers that feel like a hug.
—Kristi Arnold, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023
Nicole Chung, Time, 25 July 2023
In Rachel Kushner’s essay collection, The Hard Crowd, specifically the titular essay, there is an ode to joy near the beginning.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Jan. 2023
Before long, her videos were the ones bringing people joy.
—Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 9 Dec. 2022
But also to joy in and record the astonishment—inner and outer.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 1 Jan. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'joy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense
Phrases Containing joy
Dictionary Entries Near joy
Cite this Entry
“Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joy. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on joy
Nglish: Translation of joy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of joy for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about joy
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