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
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Recent Examples of gleeful
But the teen-soap relationship dynamics among Clover and her friends are secondary to the gleeful creativity with which the movie dispatches them — over and over again.
—
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
After a deluge of videos poured out of the fallen city in October, which showed gleeful RSF soldiers murdering POWs and terrified civilians, leadership has cracked down on the sharing of videos.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 5 Dec. 2025
The gleeful, unrepentant suspension of civil liberties by the state would soon become the norm in 21st century America.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
Much of the credit for the explosion of interest in the league’s showcase can be chalked up to Madden’s gleeful takeover of the holiday and the Cowboys’ dynastic ’90s run.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
After a deluge of videos poured out of the fallen city in October, which showed gleeful RSF soldiers murdering POWs and terrified civilians, leadership has cracked down on the sharing of videos.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 5 Dec. 2025
The gleeful, unrepentant suspension of civil liberties by the state would soon become the norm in 21st century America.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
Much of the credit for the explosion of interest in the league’s showcase can be chalked up to Madden’s gleeful takeover of the holiday and the Cowboys’ dynastic ’90s run.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
Adjective
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Besides its prominent cloud belts, Jupiter's greatest telescopic treasure are its four Galilean moons that run a merry race with each other around the planet, changing their respective positions from hour to hour and night to night.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The residents were excited to see both, but the real dog hopped down and went on its merry way, while Jennie stuck around to be snuggled.—
Rena Goldman,
EverydayHealth.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Ezra Shaw / Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers held a Christmas Eve practice Wednesday without their jolliest player.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Dec. 2025
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Wolff checks his list twice, and then heads off on his jolly mission, delivering gifts, goodness, and a reminder that the need is growing.—
Carolyn Gusoff,
CBS News,
25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Reblooming amaryllis each year saves money and brings back its festive charm every season.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
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The annual Three Kings parade blessed Little Havana yet again this year with its festive attire.—
Alie Skowronski,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Sweater nails feel cozy and cheerful in the winter, especially in a shocking shade of scarlet.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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Citrus Wreaths Create cheerful wreaths that lean on in-season oranges and lemons for pops of color.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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