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

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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 Attendance was mandatory, but a cleric with a loudspeaker tried to give the event a festive air. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 For the festive gala, Marchand worked with his close friend and stylist Christopher Rao to find the perfect red carpet outfit. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026 Jump to recipe This bubbly mocktail mule offers a festive and flavorful drink option without any alcohol that won’t feel like an afterthought to guests. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2026 On September 16, following the AD PRO Design Dialogues summit in New York, attendees were invited to the new Andrée Putman Studio showroom for a festive sunset-hour cocktail party. — Ad Pro, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Rather than getting stuck or trying to figure out a way to navigate around an obstacle, the robot can simply leap over it and continue on its merry way.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After tuning up, Batiste led his merry band of musicians to their stage.
    — Marc Lieberman, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The track opens with a sprinkle of piano before morphing into a jolly celebration that’s really going to hit this holiday season.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Both his suggestion and the jolly appreciation seem out of tune with the situation ‘far from home’, which may be a military manoeuvre involving mock battles and bayonet practice, or a preparation for actual combat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The vibe is of a cheerful — very upscale — Parisian market that’s centered around a section of fruits and vegetables displayed like in a museum.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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