JOY Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

joy 1 of 2

noun

ˈjȯi

Definition of joy

as in happiness

a feeling or state of well-being and contentment the inexpressible joy that the couple are feeling upon the birth of their first child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delight

a source of great satisfaction my car is my pride and joy

Synonyms & Similar Words

joy

2 of 2

verb

as in to delight

to feel or express joy or triumph the whole town is joying in the fact that its oldest church has been restored to its Victorian splendor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 joy

Noun

And that kind of warmth and that joy and that openness and that fluid identity. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 After pulling off their biggest heist yet, a gorgeous con artist Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy, a true joy in the role) and her equally gorgeous con-artist hubby Cary (Drew Starkey) down a bunch of shots, look adoringly at each other and party hard. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 The Last Leaf, however, showcases Nelson’s current mindset — and the joys within. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Find something to put yourself into because that's where real joy comes from, comes from helping people. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for joy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for joy

Noun

If happiness is the best team, then maybe there are better choices.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
This learned hopefulness is because in romance novels, goals are readily attainable, multiple pathways to happiness can exist and perseverance is worthwhile.

— Katelyn Frey, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Definition of happiness

Noun

Mornings begin with a gentle workout followed by workshops on topics like breath work and meditation, while afternoons are busy with winery tours, cooking classes, horseback riding, and other cultural delights.

— Katie Camero, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
In another especially science-fictiony case, ticks’ very saliva can spark a severe allergy to such delights as ice cream and hamburgers.

— Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of delight

Verb

Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

— Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2022
If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.

— Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2020

Definition of glory

Noun

But we were too caught up in the communal bliss to take a poll of random kids.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 7 July 2026
And then there are amateur collectors like me, who might not know ironstone from porcelain, but whose last day on earth could be spent touching old objects in ignorant bliss.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2026

Definition of bliss

Verb

Argentina triumphed on penalties in 1998, after David Beckham was sent off, and England won via a penalty in 2002, when Beckham went some way to atoning for what happened four years earlier by converting from the spot.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
So Democratic mainstays such as the three-term Colorado Senator Michael Bennet are losing their campaigns, and members of the Democratic Socialists of America are triumphing.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of triumph

Noun

Angel Delights, a Middle Eastern treat made with Sicilian pistachios, rosewater, wildflower honey and pure fruit extract, topped with powdered sugar.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Baking treats for patients and other staff, her passion touches most aspects of her life.

— Zuri Primos July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Definition of treat

Noun

An epic with supernatural and epigenetic overtones, this debut novel looks like a feast of a story.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
The release was inspired by a Victorian holiday feast rather than a traditional bourbon flavor profile, creating a spirit meant to evoke roasted meat, evergreen forest, and winter fruit in the same glass.

— Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of feast

Browse Nearby Words

jovially

joy

joyed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of joy

noun

verb

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