as in glee
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter
hilarity is the last thing you expect to find at a funeral, but we were there to celebrate his life rather than to dwell on his death
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hilarity
Natisha Hiedeman signed with the Seattle Storm, splitting up the hilarity of her friendship with Courtney Williams while the two played for the Lynx.
—
Tim Rohan, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
The long-running showcase features 7-10 minute sets from hungry, hard-working comics such as Nic Dean, Lane Lonion, Lizzy Wolfson, Sam Ellefson, Phil Corridor, Kate McLachlan, Mitch Jones and Austin Black, with Roy corralling the hilarity.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
The La Costa Canyon production features the School Edition, specially adapted for family-friendly audiences while preserving the hilarity and high-energy spectacle of the original.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
His almost-hysterical hilarity was contagious.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hilarity
Tim Rohan, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
The long-running showcase features 7-10 minute sets from hungry, hard-working comics such as Nic Dean, Lane Lonion, Lizzy Wolfson, Sam Ellefson, Phil Corridor, Kate McLachlan, Mitch Jones and Austin Black, with Roy corralling the hilarity.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
The La Costa Canyon production features the School Edition, specially adapted for family-friendly audiences while preserving the hilarity and high-energy spectacle of the original.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
His almost-hysterical hilarity was contagious.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hilarity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hilarity
Noun
-
As the base runners scampered home, tying the game, Chicago players and fans alike shrieked with glee.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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Bardem is captivating and formidable, grinning with maniacal glee at his every act of depravity and the fear and anguish of his victims.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Wine-Coca conduces to mental activity and clearness, prevents fatigue and exhaustion, brings cheerfulness and sweet refreshing sleep.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
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This kind of optimism and cheerfulness can make leaders more empathetic and pleasant to work with, partly because psychology research finds that positive moods increase helping, generosity and interpersonal understanding.—
Aditya Simha,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The controversy is unlikely to overshadow this week’s festivities.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
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The festivities were held at the terrace bar nine floors above Times Square at the Edition Hotel, and anyone sneaking in an illicit cigarette out on the balcony gets treated to a giant Wicked billboard flashing in LEDs.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
7 June 2026
Noun
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As an option off the bench, Aguirre could turn to 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest player in the tournament, who is sure to draw cheers from the crowd.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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Silence from the crowd and cheers from his teammates were Staal’s signal that the puck crossed the line.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hilarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hilarity. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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