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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This wave of joy was seen online, where some claimed his victory as India’s own.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Browsing fashion websites has become a small joy in her routine—a way to wind down while exploring what is new each day.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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More than anyone, Resh Lakish would have been entitled to look back on a life of personal transformation and learning with great contentment.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
25 Oct. 2025
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Chasing status, wealth, or others’ approval with your money almost always undermines independence and contentment.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In recent years, the Nordic countries have been the envy of the world for their economic success, institutional stability, and consistently high levels of social happiness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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That happiness doesn’t just extend to KATSEYE’s nods, but also to her fellow best new artist nominees, which include friends of the band like Addison Rae, sombr and Alex Warren.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Billboard,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Moviegoers' comic enjoyment was so prominent that at one point, a foul-mouthed viewer yelled for everyone to shut up.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
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In almost every case, those who took photos reported greater levels of enjoyment.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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These books can feel obstinate in their refusal of pleasure—an approach that does not seem to interest Berman in the slightest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
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Which casts a show seemingly designed to bypass all judgments with respect to storytelling and taste, gliding straight to the pleasure center of some imaginary horny, enraged, shopaholic feminine id, in a fairly sinister light.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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According to recent data from Cruise Lines International Association, river cruises are rated among the vacation types highest in satisfaction when compared with all-inclusive resorts or traditional land vacations.—
DeAnna Taylor,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
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The virtual assistant also cut waiting times, and customer satisfaction scores rose by 23%.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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 Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
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Reuters could not independently verify the allegations beyond the contents of the indictment.—
Reuters 17 hr ago,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This savory dish is a cheesy delight on the Thanksgiving table.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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Boar's Head Sweet Slice Boneless Ham, sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole, marshmallow delight.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gladness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladness. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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