Definition of gleefulnext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 gleeful Both gleeful gore and anachronistic music have been part of Lizzie Borden pop-culture lore before. Dan Medeiros, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Caught between a defensive line of fans, an array of worried and/or triggered observers, and people dressing their gleeful critiques of a woman’s body in the guise of concern, Grande interjects some of the slowest, somberest music of her career. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 As the gleeful mayhem of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the men’s World Cup final settled around MetLife Stadium, three-time Ballon d’Or winner and reigning women’s World Cup champion Aitana Bonmatí approached Spain captain Rodri. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Still, the gleeful absurdity of that concept came with its own humanity. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
Adjective
  • The hotel itself is staffed by a small but merry cadre of Lost Boys whose endearing mix of irreverence and can-doism gives the hotel its cool, devil-may-care personality.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Rounding up his merry men of Sherwood Forest, and his Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland), Robin goes about resisting John’s rule and securing Richard’s throne.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Both his suggestion and the jolly appreciation seem out of tune with the situation ‘far from home’, which may be a military manoeuvre involving mock battles and bayonet practice, or a preparation for actual combat.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This plush captures its jolly mood with a big smile and a grinning sun across its belly (complete with sunglasses).
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These four eggs are usually the birds’ one hope during the whole year of producing offspring; the festive godwits of Chiloé become, in the breeding grounds, measured, quiet, and focussed.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Choose from a big assortment of festive, fall and halloween-ready designs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Peter Max, whose cheerful graphic images helped define 1960s hippie and Summer of Love culture, has died at age 88, reports The New York Times.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • But poll respondents weren’t particularly cheerful about the ideas of Democrats either, or of Democratic Socialists, who have been much in the news of late.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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