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 Fourth of July is usually filled with festive, fun activities for humans: hot dogs, hamburgers, parades, beer and the beach — but for dogs, the Fourth is filled with fireworks and fear.
—
Jennifer Williams, CBS News, 3 July 2025
Several Greater Cincinnati restaurants are offering prix fixe menus, specials and festive events this year.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
The Fourth of July is almost here, bringing a festive mix of parades, poolside barbecues and fireworks lighting up California skies.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025
Beginning at noon at Jack's Roadhouse (1625 Hopkins St.), the parade features colorful floats, music and a festive atmosphere, all while adhering to strict guidelines ensuring a family-friendly and safe event.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Jennifer Williams, CBS News, 3 July 2025
Several Greater Cincinnati restaurants are offering prix fixe menus, specials and festive events this year.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
The Fourth of July is almost here, bringing a festive mix of parades, poolside barbecues and fireworks lighting up California skies.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025
Beginning at noon at Jack's Roadhouse (1625 Hopkins St.), the parade features colorful floats, music and a festive atmosphere, all while adhering to strict guidelines ensuring a family-friendly and safe event.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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Audiences already know what to expect from Buzz Lightyear, Woody and their merry band of talking toys.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
23 June 2025
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Will the market continue to trudge along its merry path?—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 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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Diana wore the cheerful frock on several occasions between 1988 and 1992, often during hospital visits and moments of connection with patients.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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Volunteers from a nonprofit that trains service dogs, Helping Paws Inc., provided a little canine therapy for waiting mourners Friday at the Capitol, working the crowd with cheerful golden retrievers.—
John Hanna,
Twin Cities,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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