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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As a band that, with each album, has been traveling more towards joy, play, and relief, Laraaji makes sense as a collaborator.—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
4 Sep. 2025
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In more recent versions, joy is emphasized over shame.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The truth is that silence can be mistaken for contentment.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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The prospect of him dying brought her contentment.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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How will the historical Market Square area, where Katajanokan Laituri is located, become a hub for art and design, enhancing happiness for those who interact with the space?—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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The creator of Breaking Bad and prequel spinoff Better Call Saul reteams with his Saul star for the genre-bending series about the most miserable person on Earth’s pursuit to save humanity from happiness.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Part of his enjoyment came from being surrounded by talented actors like Carell, Fey, Domingo, Calvani and Kenney-Silver.—
Sean Mandell,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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Although that trip was born from an educational perspective, there was a high level of luxury and enjoyment.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Wide open areas with branching paths and extremely verticality are key to Metroidvania games like Hollow Knight, but usually the pleasure derived from unlocking a previously dead-end space comes from having an interconnected world.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
3 Sep. 2025
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Despite something of a false opening promise, Last Rites is appropriately terrifying, far more successful on a scare-by-scare basis than the second or third films and a really frothy return to the aesthetic pleasures of Wan’s first Conjuring.—
Gregory Nussen,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While toxic cultures drain energy and stifle performance, the opposite is also true — positive work environments fuel productivity, collaboration and employee satisfaction.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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Survey participants for the personal finance index were asked to rate their satisfaction with their financial situation, general cost of living, and whether their disposable household income was enough to lead a comfortable life in their country of residence.—
Ernestine Siu,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Smith is a delight to watch.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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Haunted Scream Park opening weekend 'Tis the season for frights and delights!—
Caroline Ritzie,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This hair tool bag from Famoplay keeps straighteners, curling irons, and blowout brushes safe, organized, and away from the rest of your suitcase’s contents.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gladness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladness. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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