Definition of festivenext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor we arrived at the Christmas party to find everyone already in a festive mood, perhaps owing in part to the punch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 festive Swift gave her friends — including Hadid and model Martha Hunt — matching Fourth of July outfits that made the event feel even more festive. Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 This sci-fi extravaganza was the perfect summertime escape that was appropriately launched over the festive Fourth of July week. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 July 2026 Try your hand at the festive treat at home with this easy and super fresh recipe. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 At one Social Security field office in South Texas, workers used to look forward to a festive lunch before the Fourth of July. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • When former President Barack Obama addressed the massive, merry crowd at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18, a few lines landed like a balm.
    Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The problem was that plenty of officials from both the government and national association wanted in on the glory, piggy-backing on the team for a jolly trip to the World Cup.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The Tar Heels went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but the next inning Gallaher and his teammates were having a jolly time on a clear and cool evening at Charles Schwab Field.
    Eric Olson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • With both extended families gathered at Athen’s Piraeus harbour, we where given a tearful goodbye with hearftfelt prayers and cheerful optimisum to begin our American journey.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Spend some time at a local pond or lake and greet these pretty waterfowl, observing their colorful markings and cheerful chatter.
    Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on festive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster