1
as in glee
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter
their unexpected merriment made him nervously inquire as to the reason for it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in festivity
joyful or festive activity
the wedding reception merriment lasted long into the night
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of merriment
The whole family will find merriment in hopping aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a four-hour, 26-mile, round-trip journey that begins and ends at the historic depot in Blue Ridge.
—
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026
Slope regulars know that après-ski is a time for food, drink, and merriment after a day out in the cold.
—Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
But the day after the freezing celebration parade in Chicago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded after takeoff in Florida, putting an abrupt end to national merriment.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The games spot and brewery celebrated seven years with a farewell bash replete with games, beer and merriment.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merriment
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026
Slope regulars know that après-ski is a time for food, drink, and merriment after a day out in the cold.
—Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
But the day after the freezing celebration parade in Chicago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded after takeoff in Florida, putting an abrupt end to national merriment.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The games spot and brewery celebrated seven years with a farewell bash replete with games, beer and merriment.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merriment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merriment
Noun
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Ideas expressed in the piece The article argues that the glee over Tom Steyer’s loss in the California governor’s race reflects a broader, understandable anger at extreme wealth in an era of serf‑lord–level inequality, but contends that this anger is being misdirected at the wrong billionaire.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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As the base runners scampered home, tying the game, Chicago players and fans alike shrieked with glee.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
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The festivities will begin tomorrow afternoon with a media session which will showcase highlights from the past decade at the resort and provide the updates about the latest developments, according to the organizers.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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The shroud -- the shroud will likely come down probably after the fight, after the festivities and after the fireworks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Wine-Coca conduces to mental activity and clearness, prevents fatigue and exhaustion, brings cheerfulness and sweet refreshing sleep.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
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This kind of optimism and cheerfulness can make leaders more empathetic and pleasant to work with, partly because psychology research finds that positive moods increase helping, generosity and interpersonal understanding.—
Aditya Simha,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
But there were also a smattering of fans with pre-revolutionary flags who booed the Iranian national anthem and erupted in celebration when New Zealand scored an early goal.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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There are few things that the left hates more than celebrations of America.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
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As he was handcuffed and removed from the courtroom, spectators erupted in cheers and applause, according to footage from the courtroom.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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Supporters for Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson, cheer as local politicians speak at Jackson’s election night party at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North during the 2026 Georgia primary elections runoff, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Atlanta.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Once ground was completely covered with shards of tableware, folks journeyed from their seats into the center of the room for more dancing and merrymaking.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
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Just for Fun Driven largely by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, a wave of playful merrymaking that embraces maximalism, humor, and individuality is on the rise, Michaels reports.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their pairing begs the question of whether misery and mirth alternate, blend, or coexist.—
Eugenie Brinkema,
ARTnews.com,
14 June 2026
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There’s a fair bit of mirth in all this, and in Glanz’s brittle, snippy dialogue, which is abetted by the casting.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The finale is an ambiguous mix of jollity and agitation, with a piccolo shrieking above a militant march.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Winston Peacock’s Ghost of Christmas Present is especially winning with decidedly John Belushi-esque jollity.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merriment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merriment. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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