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as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor a blithe remark that good food enjoyed with good company makes good wine seem even better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blithe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blithe are jocund, jolly, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

Where would jocund be a reasonable alternative to blithe?

The words jocund and blithe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When might jolly be a better fit than blithe?

The meanings of jolly and blithe largely overlap; however, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When can jovial be used instead of blithe?

The synonyms jovial and blithe are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When is merry a more appropriate choice than blithe?

Although the words merry and blithe have much in common, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of blithe Saul Steinberg’s artwork captured the insularity of Manhattan, the blithe sense of locals that not much beyond the island really exists nor matters. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025 Weary of dealing with angry calls from the mayor about Frank’s blithe trail of city property destruction, police chief Davis (CCH Pounder) warns him to play nice with major donor Kane, since Police Squad’s funding is at risk. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025 These lines are both nervous tics and statements of blithe confidence. Phillip MacIak, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Yes, the sun might be glancing off the snowdrifts, and the birds may be chirping away with blithe exuberance. Celine Nguyen, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for blithe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blithe
Adjective
  • If possible, insulate and add drywall to the garage, and paint the interiors a bright, cheerful color.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
  • My inbox began to fill with cheerful nudges from Stephen, my editor.
    Big Think, Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Surprises are part and parcel of a horror movie, but more as jump scares or scary reveals or whatever, not a merry jaunt around another plot thread.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In the weeks that followed, the secretary also removed every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory committee, replacing them with a merry band of loyalists and skeptics.
    Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Backing the nonchalant trio were multiple percussionists on wind chimes, congas, shakers, and more, as well as backup singers, a bassist, and an additional guitarist.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a debonair and nonchalant judge, Roland Brack (Nicholas Pinnock), who has arranged George’s loan for the expensive property, is also dallying with Hedda and plots to use his influence—his power, rather—to tighten their extramarital bond.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jim interviewed Niccol last week and came away optimistic about the company's trajectory in 2026.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Ted is optimistic that this budding romance is the beginning of his Christmas comeback, but his looming holiday bad luck still has a few curveballs in store for him.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And all are available 24/7 like the jolliest amusement park without a single ride.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Gordon helped transform The Rizzler, a jolly 9-year-old, into this generation’s Shirley Temple.
    Taylor Lorenz, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond the neoprene pieces, the biggest impact at their debut was their carefree layering of long buttondown shirts tucked into boyshorts and hot pants, letting the layers peek out from underneath.
    Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This week, Megan Moroney offers up valuable wisdom enveloped in a lilting ballad, while Maddie Lenhart sings of longing for a carefree night of throwing romantic caution to the wind.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The bright bubblegum-pink design has green sketches of the movie’s most iconic characters, including Glinda, Elphaba, Madame Morrible, and the Cowardly Lion, while gold accents add extra shine to the dishwasher-safe cup.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Now, children laugh and study in the open-air structure, boasting candy-bright paint.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Max out the cream cheese theme by adding swirls or dollops of rich and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (below) tinted with gel or paste food coloring in your favorite festive holiday hues.
    Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The city is a popular spot, especially around Oktoberfest and the festive season, thanks to its renowned Christmas markets.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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