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

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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 festive Completing the festive threads is a pair of silver earrings and similarly red, strappy pumps. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 People got used to the giant bag, and some were stunned by how strange the corner looks, devoid of the festive bag. ABC News, 29 July 2026 The atmosphere may seem a little less colorful and little less festive. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 The exciting part is being able to rub elbows with winemakers, chefs, distillers, and wine experts over a few festive days. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • But Margaret and Alice’s quick-witted machinations provide the basis for a merry outing at the theater.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Four hundred years later, a merry band of scientists and entrepreneurs of mind-altering intoxicants are plunging even deeper into the diabolical by mechanizing DMT’s delivery via IV syringe pumps.
    Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • This plush captures its jolly mood with a big smile and a grinning sun across its belly (complete with sunglasses).
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This is not the first time that either star of Naughty has gotten audiences into a jolly mood.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • At a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in 2012, their cheerful father-son bond shines among the crowd.
    Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Eva Chen’s table-and-stool set makes the most of this fleeting chapter with sculptural silhouettes, cheerful colors, and four whimsical stools—each with its own shape—that let everyone claim their own seat.
    Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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