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

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 Despite Hopper's gleeful overacting — and the last-minute script-doctoring efforts of Joss Whedon — genuine humor is nearly as scarce as dirt. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 July 2025 The gleeful, attentive crowd — heavy on young women in cowgirl drag — cheered on the new songs and cheered even harder for the old ones. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 26 July 2025 Colbert chanted, rubbing his hands together and approaching the camera with a gleeful grin. Judy Berman, Time, 25 July 2025 The word for how the Florida officials involved in this are behaving, and certainly the Trump Administration officials, is gleeful. Erin Neil, New Yorker, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
Adjective
  • From a massive 9-foot fir to a charming 3-foot tabletop tree, score up to 58% off a one-time buy that’ll last for years of merry memories.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2025
  • While Materialists sticks to the bounds of its love triangle, Splitsville suggests the more, the merrier.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But waiting to carve on the day of the holiday only gives you trick-or-treating night to enjoy their festive glow.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Futureplusx 38-Piece Artificial Pumpkin Set Pumpkins are the must-have gourds for bringing a festive look to your home.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The YouTuber greets everyone — fan on the street, friend, foe, sitting Congressmen, and unsuspecting Rolling Stone staffer — the same, with a cheerful smile and an already rolling camera crew.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The pet supplement space is crowded with options, many of which have cheerful packaging and confident claims, yet little transparency about efficacy.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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