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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in ovation
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval
all three movies in the series received cheers from fans of the novels
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 6 May 2026
For the remainder of the match, the crowd stayed vocal, cheering during Wave attacking build-ups and loudly jeering whenever a Bay FC player went down or a decision went against their team.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
By the time the flight landed in Baltimore, airport fire crews were in place for a traditional water cannon salute, and ground staff waited at the gate with cheers and a bottle of champagne.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cheer
Verb
The announcement was accompanied by a live drumline and video clips of women's hockey fans cheering at special games already played in Detroit.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 6 May 2026
For the remainder of the match, the crowd stayed vocal, cheering during Wave attacking build-ups and loudly jeering whenever a Bay FC player went down or a decision went against their team.
—Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
Noun
Sometimes, the crowd at a nearby ballpark will issue a rousing cheer – as if congratulating you on a hike well done.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
By the time the flight landed in Baltimore, airport fire crews were in place for a traditional water cannon salute, and ground staff waited at the gate with cheers and a bottle of champagne.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheer
Verb
-
Was any draft decision of this team’s past quarter-century applauded more than Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert?—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The audience laughed and applauded.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a March 20 letter, Kirby tried to reassure employees that while the blow of higher fuel prices was severe, customer demand was holding up.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
Spanish authorities detail disembarkation plans Officials sought to reassure the public in the Canary Islands about possible exposure to the virus among the general population.—
Suman Naishadham,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Friends including Whitney Cummings, Kaitlyn Dever, Ben Platt, Olivia Wilde, Uzo Aduba, Joey King and Monica Lewinsky chimed in with glee in comments on the joint post.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
Managers attacking journalists usually ends one way, and, predictably, Bild spent the rest of the weekend reporting with glee on Frankfurt’s defeat and poor form.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Doe is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, along with other punitive damages and other relief to be determined at trial.—
Lexi Nicklaus,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
-
When aid workers reached out to South Sudanese authorities with a request to deliver emergency relief, however, it was denied.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Barker’s other heroes include Nathan Fielder and Tim Robinson, comics whose work contains an undeniable dark streak, and who share his prankster’s spirit and high tolerance for unease.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Vitello said postgame that Koss’ helmet cracked as a result of the bean ball, but Koss was in good spirits after the game.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
There is also a lot of performative clapping involved—but the less made about the length of standing ovations at film festivals the better.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
-
The night, hosted by Kirsty Young, who had already hosted the legend’s 90th birthday celebration event, opened with a thunderous standing ovation for Attenborough who waved at the crowd before sitting down next to Prince William.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Getz’s peers have taken notice and have called to praise him for signing Murakami.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Those kind of plays have the Wild coaches praising Hartman for his maturity, in not taking the bait and retaliating with an act that might mean another lengthy suspension.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
The multigenerational Fordham Heights crowd assures you that this is the place to be.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
From a young age, Barnard assured his mom that his success would propel them to the top.—
Gigi Zamora,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheer. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
