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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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 Another sweet dish, the Star Spangled Frybread, comes with a sweet glaze, topped with festive red, white and blue sprinkles and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar from Its Dough Time for $12. Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026 Retailers now stock Summerween-specific items like festive banners, pumpkin beach balls, Jack-O-Melons, surfing pumpkins and skeleton pool floats. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 Frank Capra’s Christmas classic is repeatedly voted Britain’s favourite festive film for a reason. Lea Tran, TheWeek, 8 July 2026 Perfumes Holy Berry Extrait de Parfum Holy Berry is a festive mix of red berries, oud, strawberry milk, and vanilla. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Four hundred years later, a merry band of scientists and entrepreneurs of mind-altering intoxicants are plunging even deeper into the diabolical by mechanizing DMT’s delivery via IV syringe pumps.
    Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026
  • No decision fatigue or awkward conversations to be had; the more, the merrier, baby!
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • The problem was that plenty of officials from both the government and national association wanted in on the glory, piggy-backing on the team for a jolly trip to the World Cup.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The Tar Heels went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but the next inning Gallaher and his teammates were having a jolly time on a clear and cool evening at Charles Schwab Field.
    Eric Olson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • On April 24, a 54-year-old male had a cardiac emergency on the attraction, a gentle boat ride that floats by scenes featuring cheerful puppets.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Our supervisors are paid FIFA employees who manage to maintain a cheerful outlook under what are sometimes stressful conditions.
    Eric Nager, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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