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
Thank you, dear readers, for your input on the most festive foods that embody fall.
—
Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
This lineup of alcohol-free drinks—okay, fine, mocktail recipes—offers a vibrant, inventive way to craft festive zero-proof beverages.
—Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
But instead of expecting the usual uptick in revenue that the festive period brings retailers, industry experts are predicting that consumers will likely take a more cautious approach to shopping than usual, due to economic uncertainty, rising costs, and inflation.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There will be shopping, trick-or-treating and festive activities.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
This lineup of alcohol-free drinks—okay, fine, mocktail recipes—offers a vibrant, inventive way to craft festive zero-proof beverages.
—Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
But instead of expecting the usual uptick in revenue that the festive period brings retailers, industry experts are predicting that consumers will likely take a more cautious approach to shopping than usual, due to economic uncertainty, rising costs, and inflation.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There will be shopping, trick-or-treating and festive activities.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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To usher in the return of all things merry and bright, Dunkin' is integrating a handful of new items to its holiday menu.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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Merry Moments Festive Platter May your holidays be merry and your platters be on-theme!—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Choose between five jolly patterns, including this adorable stationery-esque bow and Christmas tree option (pictured).—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
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Gordon helped transform The Rizzler, a jolly 9-year-old, into this generation’s Shirley Temple.—
Taylor Lorenz,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her style and approach are, as always, dogged, thorough, and relentlessly cheerful.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement The clown as a fun family entertainer rebounded in the late 1940s, as American companies developed cheerful new mascots to absorb Cold War anxieties.—
Time,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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