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

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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 The mom of four shared several snaps of her children playing together at the party, including one clip that showed the birthday boy wearing a festive dinosaur mask. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 On this day families gather for festive meals, and the young seek blessings from their elders. Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026 The Confetti Dot, in cheerful red or navy, is a festive favorite and a go-to gift. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 Items such as a plastic tablecloth and small plates or napkins can also be added to create a festive celebration. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Using Too Many Small Bins The more bins, the merrier?
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Mau's reckless band of merry men inevitably leave a trail of bodies in their wake, leading police captain Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) to investigate the criminal takeover of Janix.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Vivacious Mars dances with jolly Jupiter, energizing your 6th House of Practice and your 10th House of Ambition.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Each layer of this cake is studded with sweet, fresh berries and tart lemon while pureed blueberries give the frosting its bright and cheerful color.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The Confetti Dot, in cheerful red or navy, is a festive favorite and a go-to gift.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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