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 Held every June, this tradition celebrates the year’s harvest with a festive parade, classic car displays, live music, and what feels like endless fresh-cut watermelon. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 June 2025 Some social media posts and photos showed Saturday’s crowds in a festive mood. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 Karol sings on the track as a rush of trumpets and drums set a festive vibe. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 All the while, the fans and the stars bring good tidings of cheer, joy and hilarity to festive events like carol-oke, holiday trivia challenges and Christmas competitions. Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Will the market continue to trudge along its merry path?
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • This merry, hour-long holiday extravaganza will be stacked with gifts for Bravo fans and feature a number of Yuletide Bravolebrity performances.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That sort of homey detail and Karl’s cheerful disposition belie the ghastly stories that her memory holds, the ones her guest has come to hear — and capture on film.
    Christine DiMattei, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • But thanks to the marketers of marigolds, trumpet vines, and hydrangeas, my once-bleak inbox now also blushes with cheerful pastels.
    Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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