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
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Recent Examples of festive
The festive occasion marks the start of hoops season for the Jayhawks men’s and women’s teams.
—
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Is the atmosphere festive or fearful, and in whose judgment?
—Nancy Gibbs, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Starbucks recently unveiled this year's holiday menu, which will return in November and feature a series of festive drinks and baked goods, like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte and Iced Gingerbread Chai.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Since the holiday falls in a winter month, this is a popular, festive look for dog sweaters.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Is the atmosphere festive or fearful, and in whose judgment?
—Nancy Gibbs, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Starbucks recently unveiled this year's holiday menu, which will return in November and feature a series of festive drinks and baked goods, like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte and Iced Gingerbread Chai.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Since the holiday falls in a winter month, this is a popular, festive look for dog sweaters.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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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
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Instead of treats, this calendar is packed with a mix of exciting goodies like plush toys, kicker toys, balls and popular stimulants like catnip and silvervine to keep your kitty playful and merry.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Given the economic uncertainty of inflationary pressures and tariffs, this holiday season could be a less jolly one for retailers.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
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There will be games, food, contests, and jolly times for all.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Companies such as OpenAI fine-tune the models behind modern chatbots not just to imitate existing writing, but to use the particularly bland and cheerful style that any chatbot user recognizes.—
Vauhini Vara,
The Atlantic,
16 Oct. 2025
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Instead, consider small chairs or stools that can easily be moved and/or repainted to create a cheerful gathering spot, suggests Westbrook.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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