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

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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 merry His merry band of bird bouncers kept their eyes upon the crowd, making sure the birds are not harmed by any reckless actions, before each bird is rewarded with tidbits of chicken. Ryan Garza, Freep.com, 19 Sep. 2025 However, the night really belonged to 15-year-old Brit Cooper and his merry band of Adolescence superstars. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025 And, of course, the more pumpkins, the merrier! Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 For much of a contest that Wrexham briefly threatened to wrestle their way back into early in the second half, Rangers led the hosts on a merry dance with some enterprising attacking play. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for merry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merry
Adjective
  • Given the economic uncertainty of inflationary pressures and tariffs, this holiday season could be a less jolly one for retailers.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There will be games, food, contests, and jolly times for all.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Costumes are encouraged, and efforts are rewarded with glow-in-the-dark medals and a festive long-sleeve shirt.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to the festive red hue, the matching set is also available in neutral colors like beige and black.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their home is decorated with friendly pumpkins and paper bats, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
  • His cheerful demeanor has returned, and the family is adjusting to life with EpiPens tucked in every bag.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Merry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merry. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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