joyful

adjective

ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Definition of joyfulnext
as in thankful
experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 joyful Ashton and Zachary Smith from Philadelphia are guests in Croatia this week after the couple accidentally celebrated their wedding in June with a crowd of joyful Croatian soccer fans during the FIFA World Cup in the United States. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Safe, equitable and joyful schools built on strong relationships between students, educators, families and communities. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Volunteers Janice Maggiora and Donna Blink said McDaniel's passion for people inspires their own joyful giving. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 We were particularly drawn to his playful and joyful approach as well as his strong sense of print and color. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joyful
  1. thankful
  2. delighted
  3. happy
  4. pleased
  5. glad
  6. satisfied
  7. joyous
Adjective
  • The cousin was thankful, but the Rev got the message that the family didn’t need financial help.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Because in post-Covid times distributors and exhibitors were thankful enough to even hit $8 billion in North America.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of thankful
Adjective
  • Bell’s clients, the insurers, must have been delighted to have such a keen pair of eyes on their side.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Grace is delighted and titillated by Todd’s speculation, and in the middle of a G7 Summit preparation meeting with Billie and Gannon, quietly asks Hal if Kate is pregnant.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of delighted
Adjective
  • As for the happy throng of guests, the dress code was wide open to interpretation, from paillettes to pink marabou.
    — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Knicks enter the 2026 season this week as defending NBA champions, as any New Yorker in your life would be happy to remind you.
    — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of happy
Adjective
  • Despite Antetokounmpo’s big night, Spoelstra wasn’t pleased with the Heat’s spacing on Wednesday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Gamers will be pleased to know that several game companies are going to be bringing native Arm versions of popular games.
    — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleased
Adjective
  • Many rabid fans from other cities would be glad to trade places with them anytime.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Just glad to be here with you guys and proud to represent one of the best states in the country.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of glad
Adjective
  • The judge also directed both parties, including Acosta Torres personally, to appear at a compliance hearing to demonstrate that the requirements had been satisfied.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Those who fall short have to be satisfied with simply gazing at the destination from the parking lot.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of satisfied
Adjective
  • For the cover of the October 26, 2026, New Yorker Festival Issue, the artist Mark Ulriksen painted a joyous image of Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks’ starting lineup.
    — Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, attendees described the mood of Saturday as joyous and uplifting.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of joyous

Browse Nearby Words

joyed
joyful
joyfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joyful. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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