JOYFUL Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

joyful

adjective

ˈjȯi-fəl

Definition of joyful

as in thankful

experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 joyful Jill has taught me about resilience, being present, and living a joyful life. — Eric Becker, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 The two developed a joyful rhythm on set, egging each other on and rushing back to the monitor between takes. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 And that makes sense—it wasn’t designed to be a joyful culinary experience. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026 But here the formal experimentation and joyful creativity are not only well written, but feel like a fitting homage to Berger, a way of capturing a life not only in facts, but in style. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for joyful

Adjective

Collier said the school district is thankful local leaders stepped in to negotiate with the Plaza’s owners and create a better deal for schools.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
So thankful to Alabama Athletics for refuting it on my behalf.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of thankful

Adjective

The Athletic reported at the time that the Brazilian wanted to stay and that, according to people close to Mourinho, the coach was delighted with his efforts in training.

— Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Bangel fans will be delighted to know both Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz are presenting as well.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of delighted

Adjective

But despite the hard work that’s gone into making Robin Roberts Stadium home base for Year 1, many seem genuinely happy to be there.

— Emily Ohman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Grandparents support many families by sharing traditions, providing guidance and helping raise happy, healthy kids.

— Anita Bachmann, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of happy

Adjective

For now, the Pats are pleased to have locked up one of their most talented players, which should help further position them to take advantage of this Super Bowl window.

— Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York, was pleased with the screen-time limits, but says the moratorium doesn't last long enough.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of pleased

Adjective

But McDowell is glad the Supreme Court blocked the use of the new districts for November.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Now that Earle Meets World is, well, out in the world, Alix, Ashtin, and the rest of the family are particularly glad that their breast cancer journey is in the spotlight—and plan on continuing to spread awareness.

— Caitlin Carlson, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of glad

Adjective

Yet the demands of being F1’s most famous and successful team mean expectations, both internally and externally, will only be satisfied when the championship drought, dating back to 2008, finally ends.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
In fact, the number of OEMs that reported being satisfied with their reshoring results dropped precipitously in 2026 to 65 percent, down from 96 percent in 2025.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of satisfied

Adjective

The new Manchester City manager had already danced down the touchline to celebrate in front of the joyous away fans as soon as referee Michael Oliver blew the final whistle on a game that City had no right to win.

— Sam Lee, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
As the models returned for the finale, they were joined by a string of voguing dancers in all-black ensembles, to the tune of joyous disco music.

— Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of joyous

Browse Nearby Words

joyed

joyful

joyfully

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joyful. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of joyful

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

facsimile

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes