merriness 1 of 2

merry

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adjective

as in jolly
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the traditional depiction of Santa Claus as a rotund man with merry, twinkling blue eyes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective merry differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of merry are blithe, jocund, jolly, and jovial. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

When can blithe be used instead of merry?

The synonyms blithe and merry are sometimes interchangeable, but blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When could jocund be used to replace merry?

Although the words jocund and merry have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

In what contexts can jolly take the place of merry?

The words jolly and merry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When is it sensible to use jovial instead of merry?

While in some cases nearly identical to merry, jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

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 merriness
Adjective
This merry, bloody, muddy trashing of Arthurian legend returns to theaters May 4 and 7 in a Fathom Entertainment engagement. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025 Five picks later, and Terrance Ferguson might’ve stuck back in Denver, and had a merry reunion with Bo Nix as the Broncos’ matchup-nightmare tight end of the future. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025 Simplified spelling was now a national joke—the kooky obsession of an overzealous president and his merry band of misspellers. Gabe Henry, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 Sister Mary Guadalupe wears rimless glasses, and her eyes are shaped like a merry jack-o’-lantern’s, flat on the bottom with semicircles on top. Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for merriness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merriness
Adjective
  • Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Fines and any restriction or suspension of the driver’s license aren’t going to be met with glee by the driver, either.
    Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
  • Some Yankees were upset during the offseason, feeling the Dodgers took too much glee and rubbed it in about the Yankees’ metdown in the fifth inning of Game 5.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Radio City Music Hall, the elegant home of the Rockettes, was festive and expectant — at least for about three and a half quarters.
    David Waldstein, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Also available at Nordstrom, Reformation’s Mireille Ruffle Puff Sleeve Dress offers the same summer-ready fabric with festive details like dainty ties and an ultra-soft viscose material.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Other celebrities who reportedly made the guest list include Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Jeong, according to TMZ. Many of Thicke and Geary's guests arrived early to kick off the weekend festivities.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • This weekend, as many Black consumers could be flocking to Target to purchase supplies for their Memorial Day festivities, Bryant is urging them to go to the store for a different reason.
    Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the video was a group of dogs, and a professional dog walker managing the calm and cheerful pack, sitting beautifully for the camera.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • However, a Willi Castro home run in the fourth inning — his first of two on the night — inspired hearty cheers from Twins supporters, overpowering the home crowd’s boos.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
  • Diaz and his partners erupted in cheers when the vote came down.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Merriness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merriness. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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