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
Relevance
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 15-day spring festival is observed by Chinese communities worldwide, complete with family gatherings, festive decorations, temple visits, lion dances and the exchange of red envelopes symbolizing good fortune, prosperity and renewal.
—
Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit.
—Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
The celebration is Carnival's grand finale and is the day that closes out the festive season, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Yet all celebrations consist of a parade with festive costumes and masks.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for festive
Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit.
—Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
The celebration is Carnival's grand finale and is the day that closes out the festive season, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Yet all celebrations consist of a parade with festive costumes and masks.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
-
The atmosphere was noisy in a good way, with merry patrons having a good time.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Pip pip, cheerio, and a merry good day to you, sirs and madams.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
His jolly presence, which is 21-feet wide, is stopping drivers in front of Katie Aalerud's house.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
While his jolly personality won him many friends at the top of the pyramid, his flock of ordinary Catholics saw only his other side.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What better way to celebrate all that is to come than with a colorful, cheerful manicure?—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Life underground is no longer the Pleasantville-like, cheerful place viewers first encountered in Season 1.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
