1
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
2
as in contentment
the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met
the children's gladness was evident as they opened their Christmas presents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
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More than 200 trees are just days away from full blossoms, providing more joy for Gipson and anyone who appreciates poetry in motion.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
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This may be the quietest song on our list, but the acoustic guitars and breathy vocal evince quiet joy and more than a bit of sexiness.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There was no sign of contentment.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Your 4th House of Protection hosts contentment-seeking Venus, encouraging you to take comfort in your private world.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In San Francisco, Louise encounters an influencer who asks strangers on the street to rate their happiness on the same scale.—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Conversations full of laughter and happiness.—
David McGrath,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Getting enough sleep is vital to your enjoyment of the rest of life!—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Your family's own enjoyment is a perfectly good reason to do any of these projects.—
Jenny Hughes,
The Spruce,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Grab any chance to travel for pleasure or talk to people from other cultures.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
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How can a novelist address our current moment without sacrificing the pleasures of fiction?—
Francine Prose,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Some research has indicated that parenting styles are influenced by parental personality traits, the child's temperament, social support, and partner satisfaction.—
Kelley King Heyworth,
Parents,
5 Apr. 2026
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All that employee satisfaction leads to good results.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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McDonald's teamed up with Netflix to launch two limited-time meals inspired by the film’s rival K-pop groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys — complete with collectible photocards and exclusive digital content.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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The American Revolution exhibit has exclusive Carolina content The Charlotte Museum of History also is dedicating a full gallery to telling the story of the Carolinas during the American Revolution.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To some umps’ great dismay—and fans’ utter delight—calls are indeed getting overturned, with all the suspense of a Roman emperor deciding on a gladiator’s fate.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
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The plush spa wrap is the ultimate après-shower delight made with ultra-soft fabric.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gladness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladness. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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