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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There’s already angst in the party, and glee among Republicans, that the trio will use their new clout to spotlight issues that divide Democrats.
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This tangled relationship between Lestat and Armand, and all the guilt Lestat carries from it, provides a major breakthrough for Molloy’s documentary, and the journalist reacts with giddy, off-putting glee.
Noun
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Here's what to know about this year's festivities.
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In the face of so much recent backlash against new arrivals, various groups around the country have made a point of championing the contributions of immigrants as a part of their 250th anniversary festivities.
Noun
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Wine-Coca conduces to mental activity and clearness, prevents fatigue and exhaustion, brings cheerfulness and sweet refreshing sleep.
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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.
Noun
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With stages stretching from Freedom Corner to the Point and crowds growing every year, Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth celebration has evolved into a centerpiece of the city’s summer calendar and a living testament to Black culture, commerce and community pride downtown.
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The 23rd annual Sacramento Juneteenth celebration filled William Land Park on Saturday with a parade of 15 contingents and a festival with educational exhibits on Black American history.
Noun
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The District, a bar in San Pedro Square, erupted in wild cheers when Mexico scored the first goal of the match.
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The stadium erupted with cheers and celebratory mariachi music!
Noun
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Nor did great merrymaking surround its 2001 move to pioneer quantitative easing.
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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.
Noun
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Their pairing begs the question of whether misery and mirth alternate, blend, or coexist.
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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.
Noun
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The finale is an ambiguous mix of jollity and agitation, with a piccolo shrieking above a militant march.
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Winston Peacock’s Ghost of Christmas Present is especially winning with decidedly John Belushi-esque jollity.
Cite this Entry
“Merriment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merriment. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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