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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gleeful
Camille smirks into her wine, feigning terror but secretly gleeful at the display.
—
Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
Like Wilson’s show, The History of Concrete is packed with gleeful detours that take him to, among many destinations, a wax museum in Italy and a bubble-gum-removal company in New York.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semifinal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.
—Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
The new Wade is an endlessly wisecracking chatterbox, shattering the fourth wall with gleeful abandon.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
Like Wilson’s show, The History of Concrete is packed with gleeful detours that take him to, among many destinations, a wax museum in Italy and a bubble-gum-removal company in New York.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semifinal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.
—Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
The new Wade is an endlessly wisecracking chatterbox, shattering the fourth wall with gleeful abandon.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
Adjective
-
Many movies tried to recreate its magic mixture, including some of its own sequels, but few achieved the merry concoction of frights, gore, and giggles that Craven handled so masterfully.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The atmosphere was noisy in a good way, with merry patrons having a good time.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a great Wings photo that fans cherish — a day in the Scottish highlands, the family farm, Paul and the band playing a jolly game of footie while his sheepdog muse Martha joins in, chasing the ball.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2026
-
His jolly presence, which is 21-feet wide, is stopping drivers in front of Katie Aalerud's house.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Each clever trap lands with festive flair, proving that Windsor’s women really run the show.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Whether your family celebrates Easter with a festive brunch or dinner meal, there’s always room for a breadbasket.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Creeping phlox is a great choice for edging, rock walls, or slopes, and will brighten any garden with its abundance of cheerful pastel blooms.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Daisies look more cute and cheerful than ever when paired with green cat-eye polish.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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