1
as in bright
having or showing a good mood or disposition
a cheerful person who is always fun to work with and a pleasure to be around
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cheery
serving to lift one's spirits
a hospital with sunny, cheerful rooms that are designed to make a patient's stay as pleasant as possible
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cheerful
Pot Up Cheery Marigolds A cheerful pot of sunny yellow or bright orange marigolds always brings a smile to our faces.
—
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Think softer citrus tones, cheerful corals, butter yellows, and vibrant pinks and greens—anything that feels particularly sunny or energetic.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026
As Meiko, a quiet single mom with a penchant for knitting like a cheerful Madame DeFarge, Moone embodies Meiko’s optimism, which, as the situation escalates, explodes into an everybody’s-thinking-it-but-no-one-wants-to-say-it, show-stopping monologue.
—Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
People do not need managers to be cheerful all the time.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cheerful
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Think softer citrus tones, cheerful corals, butter yellows, and vibrant pinks and greens—anything that feels particularly sunny or energetic.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026
As Meiko, a quiet single mom with a penchant for knitting like a cheerful Madame DeFarge, Moone embodies Meiko’s optimism, which, as the situation escalates, explodes into an everybody’s-thinking-it-but-no-one-wants-to-say-it, show-stopping monologue.
—Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
People do not need managers to be cheerful all the time.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cheerful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheerful
Adjective
-
In braids and a bright yellow fishing bib, with her dog Claude at her side and a witty interjection always on the tip of her tongue, Maude climbs onto her trusty little boat and sets a course for the open sea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Durable enough to handle the elements, this waterproof light features a comfortable elastic strap and a bright, adjustable beam that improves visibility while keeping both hands free for unloading luggage, handling car repairs, or setting up camp in the dark.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Comedian Zarna Garg brings her cheery vibes while out and about in New York City on May 27.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
-
Don’t miss this cheery summer lineup from Trader Joe’s.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Workers who feel optimistic about AI’s effect on their careers report dramatically stronger workplace outcomes across engagement, effort, and intent to stay.—
Matt Rosenbaum,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
Her mindset immediately shifted from a sinking feeling to being optimistic about the future.—
Ayren Jackson-Cannady,
SELF,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Maybe not stuck in an urban jam, dodging potholes or crawling amid draconian speed limits – but out there on the open road, taking sunny corners in a nice car?—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 May 2026
-
Those marching orders left opponents and free speech advocates in disbelief, wondering how park employees were supposed to put a sunny spin on monuments acknowledging slavery, Jim Crow laws and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
What may not be as familiar is Smith’s consistently upbeat attitude in the midst of chaos, capturing it all for her followers on Instagram and YouTube as The Unlikely Countrywoman.—
Caroline Utz,
The Spruce,
2 June 2026
-
In the Padres’ clubhouse, Arraez occupied a stall near both of those stars, but several other players on the Padres, plus many ex-teammates with other teams, have said the Venezuelan’s upbeat personality and high energy improved the team’s chemistry.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Women in black hijabs and abayas, many wearing badges depicting Zahra’s smiling face, lined the streets as men prayed over her casket, placed outside the Husseiniya, a Shiite hall.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
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As Thomas’ parents, Katina Smith and Bobby Thomas, unveiled their son’s smiling statue in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame Plaza last Sunday, as scores of his former teammates looked on in sadness and joy, Miller was 800 miles away in Dallas, gearing up for a game against the Cowboys.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The early signs are not encouraging, despite a buoyant stock market.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
This is patient, observant storytelling, with brilliant casting choices (casting director Nina Gold) and performances that speak volumes about how the characters have changed over the decades — the jump from a buoyant Toheeb Jimoh to a despondent David Oyelowo is particularly heartbreaking.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cheerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheerful. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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