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
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Recent Examples of gladness
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
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladness
Noun
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March’s lunar eclipse in Virgo — activating your fifth house of love and passion — intensifies attraction, desire and romantic chemistry, pushing you to take a risk or end a dynamic that no longer brings you joy.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
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When it’s done well, family philanthropy creates confidence, engagement, and joy.—
Kris Putnam-Walkerly,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The most common feelings reflected contentment rather than passion.—
Christine Zhang,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
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That contentment was like a gentle wind on a hot day, or a few drops of rain during a drought – natural, humane happiness.—
Stephy Chung,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While Violet has put much of her focus on her kids' love stories, she's also been on a journey to re-discover her own happiness after her late husband's death years earlier.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
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So many chances to attain most people’s dreams of happiness, love, abundance, new ideas and popularity.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The real-life friends instigated the project and serve as producers, with their obvious glee in playing off each other adding greatly to the enjoyment.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Jan. 2026
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Along with the rows and rows of grapevines, the land is planted with orchards for your enjoyment.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In Sonnenfeld’s telling, the president’s recent moves substitute executive discretion for market outcomes, leaving managers and shareholders operating not within a free market, but at the pleasure of the White House.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
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Would Cora grow more open to life’s imperfect joys, its corny pleasures?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Both provide me satisfaction in my retirement.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
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Protein powders always felt overhyped — a product category with more marketing than satisfaction.—
Samantha Leal,
Refinery29,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Her company, The Travel Lifestyle, develops special editorial content and projects for numerous publications and companies.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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This lets users keep their main work open while asking Gemini to summarize content, compare products, or organize information from multiple sites at the same time.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Each one is a loving take on a classic treat and a delicious testament to maximalist sensorial delight.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Jan. 2026
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And yet watching the unfurling reel of Mumbai life on one narrow promenade is one of this city's quiet delights.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gladness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladness. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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