GLADNESS Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

gladness

noun

Definition of gladness

as in joy

a feeling or state of well-being and contentment felt nothing but gladness at seeing her best friend beat her out for the award

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in contentment

the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met the children's gladness was evident as they opened their Christmas presents

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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 gladness May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. — Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026 Hazel shrugged, but Lilian could see her gladness at being asked. — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 Over time in Middle English, myrth(e) narrowed to mean joy, amusement, or gladness, often expressed in laughter and festivity. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladness

Noun

And in a 2024 interview with Byrdie, Williams was asked what has brought her the most joy in her life.

— Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026
Bradley Cooper’s Ocean’s Eleven prequel, also starring Cooper himself, Margot Robbie, George MacKay, Wagner Moura, Monica Barbaro, Josh Gad and Omar Sy, has been a real shot of joy in the arm.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of joy

Noun

Blasting Sharon Van Etten music on the subway and grinding out 18-hour shifts in her scrubs seems to be getting the job done, but happiness is a lot harder to deny when someone becomes determined to share it with you.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026
Counsell must know by now that managing the Cubs in September is not a recipe for happiness.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of happiness

Noun

So, your enjoyment of these shows, and continued support of these shows, is supporting my eradication.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
The suits say continuous noise from data centers’ cooling systems and power generators is substantially interfering with local neighbors’ use and enjoyment of their property — a legal standard for proving a private nuisance.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

Several of my favorite poetry collections capture the nuanced process of breaking up, with its extreme states of longing, anger, and sorrow—while also expanding the capacity for joy, pleasure, and compassion.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
None of these extensions are more than a short walk away from the Manor House (the walks alone bring great pleasure), and all of them are thoughtfully furnished.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of pleasure

Noun

Pittsburgh International Airport nabbed a top spot among North America's best medium airports based on its customer satisfaction scores, according to a recent study by JD Power.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
Hartsfield-Jackson was tied with George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston in customer satisfaction, both receiving 606 points out of a possible 1,000, below average for mega airports.

— Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of satisfaction

Noun

The group behind the plan, Michael Burke, Rachel Williams, Justin Younesi, and Michael Younesi, has a background in marketing and social media content.

— Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
His exhibition of some of its contents at Palo, in the East Village, keeps the focus of our attention on his black-and-white photographs, which hold it with a sense of ease that never undermines their moody soulfulness.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

And the fact that Maridueña spends much of his time in a coma is a waste for the Cobra Kai alumni, who is such a delight onscreen.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026
The crowd responded enthusiastically to the proposal, and many of the president’s supporters expressed delight at the prospect of receiving $5,000.

— Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of delight

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gladly

gladness

glad rags

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“Gladness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladness. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gladness

noun

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