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 From her festive styling tips to her party hosting no-nos, read on for the superstar’s hottest holiday takes. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 The new Burberry campaign celebrates 170 years of the fashion house with a festive Christmas party in the English countryside. — Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026 Cut this festive galette into little squares for a hearty appetizer, or serve sizeable wedges as a vegetarian main or standout side. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026 The Anthropologie Disposable Camera is a classic camera, but with a festive pink and red stripe design. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Festive treats, cheery decor, and a few very-merry gift ideas—all at a bargain.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Musicians, actresses, and models have proven that more rings are always merrier.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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