cheer 1 of 2

verb

Definition of cheernext
1
as in to applaud
to declare enthusiastic approval of critics and fans alike have cheered the latest addition to the author's series of fantasy novels

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reassure
to ease the grief or distress of let's hope that these flowers will cheer my ailing aunt at least a little

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cheer

2 of 2

noun

ˈchir How to pronounce cheer (audio)
1
as in glee
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter a birthday celebration filled with affection and cheer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relief
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble the visiting general had some words of cheer for each of the hospital's recuperating soldiers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spirit
a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion be of good cheer in this Christmas season

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4
as in ovation
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval all three movies in the series received cheers from fans of the novels

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cheer
Verb
In a way, MacLeod is cheering for his own obsolescence; AI output is as proficient as most royalty-free music. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Investors cheer continuity at the top, but continuity of policy requires a working majority and a fiscally responsible plan for power. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
In the morning, the Sacramento Sirens cheer squad and the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus performed on the fairgrounds, before festivities headed indoors. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026 The cheers keep coming whether at Wrigley Field or on the road. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheer
  1. applaud
  2. reassure
  3. glee
  4. relief
  5. spirit
  6. ovation
  7. praise
  8. assure
Verb
  • But the fact that this super team from LA added another not-so-secret weapon in its bid for a three-peat was not universally applauded by baseball fans.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And in this economy, any fresh opportunity is cause for celebration, so take a moment to applaud yourself.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • During his post-July meeting news conference, Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh attempted to reassure markets that policymakers would act when necessary.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Officers say the changes are aimed at addressing a recent rise in overnight disturbances while reassuring visitors and businesses that Old Sacramento remains a safe destination.
    — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of reassure
Noun
  • Aegon cackles with glee as Tyland ducks to the ground and his enemies snap, crackle, pop in the night.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To the director’s glee, modern audiences may be more uncomfortable with Erika and Elliot’s lopsided power dynamic than the sight of sweet-faced Hoffman in a pig mask and panties.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • Most recently, he’s rallied to add a further bit of brightness to his public profile by turning in a stellar domination of the Ohio Derby, much to the relief of his veteran trainer Steve Asmussen and his jockey Jose Ortiz.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Cancy McArn, the district’s superintendent, sent a rebuttal letter Thursday to Gordon rejecting the county office’s conclusion that the new teachers’ union agreement would not provide enough financial relief to help the district avoid insolvency.
    — Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of relief
Noun
  • There are more than 400 original contemporary artworks throughout Ibiza Gran Hotel, with many created by Mediterranean artists whose work reflects the culture and spirit of the region.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • After that, Ginn was pulled by manager Mark Kotsay and received a standing ovation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Brunson received a tremendous ovation from the fans who packed the arena.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of ovation
Verb
  • During nine years as Manchester mayor, Burnham was praised standing up to central government on behalf of a proud, battle-scarred northern city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, movements for social change and a dynamic music scene.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • He’s been praised openly by his fellow receivers, cornerback Jaycee Horn and head coach Dave Canales over the past few days.
    — Mike Kaye July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Although Wangchuk broke his fast on July 24 after the government assured him that steps would be taken to address the students’ demands, the protest kept growing.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • The Academy’s Board of Governors is the group that sets the organization’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Definition of assure

Phrases Containing cheer

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cheeps
cheer
cheered
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Cite this Entry

“Cheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheer. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cheer

Nglish: Translation of cheer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cheer

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