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
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
When the citrus trees come alive with ripe fruit in December, join in the merriment at the Orange Festival.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merriment
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
When the citrus trees come alive with ripe fruit in December, join in the merriment at the Orange Festival.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merriment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merriment
Noun
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New York with aplomb, expressing glee about the network being able to keep the project a secret.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2026
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Laptop twee tries to pretend those simpler times are accessible, which makes for exaggerated, juvenile glee—a dishonest document of 2026, but a wildly appealing one.—
Samuel Hyland,
Pitchfork,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Between parking restrictions and road closures, Boston is encouraging Marathon Monday visitors to walk, bike, take the T — anything but drive — to watch the runners or attend the day’s festivities.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
20 Apr. 2026
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The festivities kick off Friday morning when the elite athletes meet with the media just as the Marathon Expo opens at the Hynes Convention Center for the weekend.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As a teen-ager listening to folk music in London pubs, I’d been attracted to the instrument’s nimble, tinkling cheerfulness, its being on the margins, not too demanding, perhaps.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
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Lastly, yellow tulips symbolize cheerfulness, happiness, and optimism.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The 19-year-old princess joined her fellow London residents in celebration on May 9, 1945, the day after VE Day.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The effect is meant to be a celebration of the Sonoran Desert, as well as a cautionary tale about humans' impact on it, said Shaw.—
Alina Hartounian,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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Museums also make for a great break from holiday-merrymaking.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The Hollywood premiere last night was something spiritual, with rolling cheers and applause throughout the film’s 127-minute running time at the Dolby Theatre.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
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Generations of Spartan students have taken their turns painting new designs and images on the rock, ranging from memorial tributes to cheers for special events.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
Noun
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The two no longer spar on air, so expect mirth rather than rancor at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
14 Mar. 2026
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From arena-filling funnymen to big-name package tours, there will be plenty of mirth and mayhem in local venues.—
Bob Mehr,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merriment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merriment. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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