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
During the two-hour outing, passengers are treated to hot cocoa, cookies, festive lights, and visits from Santa.
—
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Starbucks’ festive menu never fails to get coffee lovers into the Christmas spirit—but, with so many tempting options, choosing the healthiest one isn’t always easy.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The National Charity League, Del Norte Chapter Ticktocker Class of 2030, created very festive Halloween boxes that were filled with many Halloween treats and surprises.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Families can gather on the couch, cheer for their favorite teams, and be inspired to try their own festive creations at home.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Starbucks’ festive menu never fails to get coffee lovers into the Christmas spirit—but, with so many tempting options, choosing the healthiest one isn’t always easy.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The National Charity League, Del Norte Chapter Ticktocker Class of 2030, created very festive Halloween boxes that were filled with many Halloween treats and surprises.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Families can gather on the couch, cheer for their favorite teams, and be inspired to try their own festive creations at home.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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But don’t let the tragic tale color your impression of the Park; during the holidays its annual Christmas at the Falls event transforms the area into one of the merriest and brightest spots around.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
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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
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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Cheeky faux finishes played a big part in realizing that vision, as did cheerful color washing.—
Elizabeth Kiefer,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
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The account has already attracted over 63,000 followers, many of whom originally believed the cheerful residents were real.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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