joy 1 of 2

noun

ˈjȯi How to pronounce joy (audio)
Definition of joynext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delight
a source of great satisfaction my car is my pride and joy

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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

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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
The sequel has none of the joy of the original, only the calculated machinations of studio executives and actors who won’t let their characters grow. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 To me, there’s a great joy in using as few devices as possible. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 Brandy and Goldberg smiled and giggled throughout the entire show, full of joy as the models twirled and commanded the runway in pieces ranging from cocktail dresses to red carpet-worthy gowns. — Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 Play ball New York’s baseball teams played a key role in helping lift the city’s spirits, proving there was still room for joy. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joy
  1. happiness
  2. delight
  3. glory
  4. bliss
  5. pleasure
  6. triumph
  7. treat
  8. feast
Noun
  • Vettese said the collection continues to be rooted in her Italian heritage, mixed with her American life including the color, happiness and California sunshine of her childhood.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In his latest column, Joshua Rothman explores this decline in happiness among the youth, finding that the problem goes beyond their smartphones.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of happiness
Noun
  • The crowd responded enthusiastically to the proposal, and many of the president’s supporters expressed delight at the prospect of receiving $5,000.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The calm, disciplined dive master, Rashid Suleiman, is the country’s first Tanzanian to hold that post – and a positive delight to explore the reefs with.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 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
  • And between now and then, thinking back to the bliss of your stay, with all of its special touches, exemplary food, and nearly clairvoyant service.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Lauren Cohan reacts to the big smooch, and if this means romantic bliss for Maggie moving forward.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of bliss
Noun
  • But Aly [Turchioe, director of buying] and Trevor [Harvey, buyer] have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Our formula is based on the universal pleasure of solving a mystery, immersing oneself in an adventure, identifying with inspiring characters, and sharing that sense of liberation so characteristic of adolescence.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of pleasure
Verb
  • Yet when this all really mattered — in the 2025 Abu Dhabi finale, when Verstappen was on pole and more than good enough to triumph over the orange pair with the overwhelming full-backing of Red Bull — McLaren’s approach paid dividends.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • And insurers — teamed with consumer advocates — triumphed, forcing Newsom to back down.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of triumph
Noun
  • The treats make sense, Donati told Fox News Digital, as Americans increasingly consider their pets part of the family.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • An ultimate treat for those like me, who always look to satisfy their sweet tooth.
    — Bianca Harris, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of treat
Noun
  • Offered seasonally, each event spotlights wines from a new region paired with a family-style feast of off-menu dishes prepared by Le Crocodile’s kitchen.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
  • At-home feasts for Thanksgiving and Christmas still will be offered this year, and the Samsons are considering a blowout New Year’s Eve soirée too.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of feast

Browse Nearby Words

jovially
joy
joyed
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Cite this Entry

“Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joy. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on joy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about joy

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