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
Marigold flower bunting, Papel Picado banners and string lights will add to the festive decor.
—
Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
On those occasions, the settings become festive gatherings for artists, decorators, designers, clients, collectors, photographers and media.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Taking place at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista, the event features DJs, pool parties (including one giant pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon), drag shows and festive celebrations May 29-June 2 at 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Road in Orlando.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Radio City Music Hall, the elegant home of the Rockettes, was festive and expectant — at least for about three and a half quarters.
—David Waldstein, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
On those occasions, the settings become festive gatherings for artists, decorators, designers, clients, collectors, photographers and media.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Taking place at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista, the event features DJs, pool parties (including one giant pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon), drag shows and festive celebrations May 29-June 2 at 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Road in Orlando.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Radio City Music Hall, the elegant home of the Rockettes, was festive and expectant — at least for about three and a half quarters.
—David Waldstein, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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This merry, hour-long holiday extravaganza will be stacked with gifts for Bravo fans and feature a number of Yuletide Bravolebrity performances.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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Martin and his merry band of Coldplay troubadours – guitarist Jonny Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion – unleashed their infectious brand of rock May 31 on an adoring California crowd to kick off the final leg of a three year tour that wraps in London this September.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
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Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Here’s a cheerful fringed umbrella that looks a lot more expensive than its $72 price tag.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
6 June 2025
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Sparkling with Champagne-like bubbles, a bready, light body and a clean, faintly bitter finish, this cheerful beer is ideal for a sunny summer afternoon.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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