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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delight
a source of great satisfaction
my car is my pride and joy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of joy
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Feb. 2026
But her victory extends far beyond those metrics, in her unique and refreshing ability to transmit joy across the globe through her skating.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026
And moments of joy—in its purest form—as well as pain and surprise.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Others came to support neighbors and friends who had lost a loved one, or showed up just because community ties grow strong in small mountain towns where people share both the hardships of extreme weather and the joys of recreating outdoors.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for joy
Noun
Set loose guardrails for sustainable joy.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Feb. 2026
But her victory extends far beyond those metrics, in her unique and refreshing ability to transmit joy across the globe through her skating.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026
And moments of joy—in its purest form—as well as pain and surprise.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Others came to support neighbors and friends who had lost a loved one, or showed up just because community ties grow strong in small mountain towns where people share both the hardships of extreme weather and the joys of recreating outdoors.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for joy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joy
Noun
-
According to the University of California, Los Angeles, people 65 and older who have hobbies, such as golfing, gardening, crafting, and fishing, report higher levels of happiness and greater life satisfaction.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
As devastating secrets surface, the youngest son, Matt, must navigate a path between love and loyalty, sacrifice and the chance at his own happiness.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The crowd, filled with mostly Illini fans, roared with delight.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Creating mazes and tunnels is an easy way to make your rat happy — and a delight to watch.—
Lisa Bloch,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
-
In spring 2026, life is decidedly more complicated, but nail art is channeling the bliss of being young and responsibility-free.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
19 Feb. 2026
-
There’s a crepuscular somberness, a feeling of looking back on the perfect day, knowing bliss won’t last forever.—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Surveying the city across the tops of the cathedral in Vieuz Lyon, over the rivers Rhone and Saone below, all the way to Mont Blanc on the horizon while the bell towers mark the slow passing of time is an unforgettable pleasure.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
New Orleans-Style Beignets for Mardi Gras Biting into a pillowy, powdered beignet still fresh from the fryer is one of life’s finest pleasures, and there’s no time like Mardi Gras to indulge in one of New Orleans’ most famous dishes.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Gu hadn't competed in a big air contest since triumphing at the Beijing Games, concentrating on her other events.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
In the playoffs, SDFC triumphed over Portland Timbers in a first-round, best-of-three series.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The treat is designed in such a way as to hide the look, texture and smell of the pill so picky dogs don’t avoid taking it.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Don’t forget leash, treats and water.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Cook a feast in the chef’s kitchen, dine next to the fireplace, and enjoy a bit more outdoor time in the home’s grassy backyard.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
-
From decorating eggs to enjoying festive feasts, this holiday is a delightful mix of fun and meaning.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joy. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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