1
as in happiness
a feeling or state of well-being and contentment
the inexpressible joy that the couple are feeling upon the birth of their first child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delight
a source of great satisfaction
my car is my pride and joy
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to delight
to feel or express joy or triumph
the whole town is joying in the fact that its oldest church has been restored to its Victorian splendor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of joy
Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Co-created with local parents and their young children, the show explores the joys and impermanence of raising children, carrying children through life and witnessing a child’s journey.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Walking along the Mississippi River or cruising the mall with a frozen cocktail from Fat Tuesday is a simple, affordable joy.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
The show teaches kids important lessons about friendship, imagination, family, and the joy of being yourself.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for joy
Noun
The joy is infectious in this image of mission pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch who soak in the moment while sitting together after splashing down on Friday (April 10).
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2026
Co-created with local parents and their young children, the show explores the joys and impermanence of raising children, carrying children through life and witnessing a child’s journey.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Walking along the Mississippi River or cruising the mall with a frozen cocktail from Fat Tuesday is a simple, affordable joy.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
The show teaches kids important lessons about friendship, imagination, family, and the joy of being yourself.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for joy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joy
Noun
-
Though her character finds romantic happiness with Will Schuester, her role grew smaller as the actress pursued opportunities on series like The Millers and The League.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Another close-up shot reflected his happiness, as he could be seen smiling widely at the camera with palm trees behind him.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To some umps’ great dismay—and fans’ utter delight—calls are indeed getting overturned, with all the suspense of a Roman emperor deciding on a gladiator’s fate.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
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The plush spa wrap is the ultimate après-shower delight made with ultra-soft fabric.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.—
Patrick Smith,
NBC News,
19 Dec. 2022
-
If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
26 Aug. 2020
Noun
-
Lindy West’s new memoir, Adult Braces, ends with a portrait of unconventional domestic bliss.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
18 Mar. 2026
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Juvenile bliss had long contoured this abrasive band, whose songs rattled like playgrounds, and whose shouts rang like the peals of petulant children.—
Samuel Hyland,
Pitchfork,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The idea of fancy food halls always seems to stir the brain’s pleasure systems.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
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Moreover, researchers from the University of Florida and University College London found that daily reading for pleasure has dropped about 40% between 2003 and 2023.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After two defeats to Hamilton, Rosberg finally triumphed with the 2016 title.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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The hope that this motto refers to is the hope of the resurrection – of life triumphing over death – as reflected in the golden cross.—
Mathew Schmalz,
The Conversation,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Peaches is described as affectionate and well-balanced — enjoying car rides, treats and quiet time at home.—
Caroline Foreback,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Georgia peach ice cream sandwich is a cool sweet treat.—
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Algiers archbishop likes to remind audiences that Leo was elected on May 8, the Catholic feast day of the 19 martyrs.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
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Later in the day, family and friends gathered for an Easter feast and fully broke the fast together over doro wat and other traditional Ethiopian food.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joy. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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