gleeful

adjective

ˈglē-fəl How to pronounce gleeful (audio)
Definition of gleefulnext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gleeful The sins of the father are ultimately presented in a literal, stomach-churning slideshow that haphazardly alternates benign family snaps with gleeful photographic evidence of Johan’s war crimes. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 Instead, the discourse centers about concerns about misogyny in the football program and the racial makeup of the student body – something no one would have predicted in those gleeful moments late Saturday night. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 The bikes were a smart and gleeful way to make the most of our limited time in South Lake Tahoe. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The gleeful melodies of the church choir practicing next door seeped in. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
  1. merry
  2. jolly
  3. festive
  4. cheerful
Adjective
  • After tuning up, Batiste led his merry band of musicians to their stage.
    — Marc Lieberman, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The friendly staff, who wear black uniforms with lettering that identifies their duties add to the hotel’s merry atmosphere.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • The track opens with a sprinkle of piano before morphing into a jolly celebration that’s really going to hit this holiday season.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Both his suggestion and the jolly appreciation seem out of tune with the situation ‘far from home’, which may be a military manoeuvre involving mock battles and bayonet practice, or a preparation for actual combat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • For the festive gala, Marchand worked with his close friend and stylist Christopher Rao to find the perfect red carpet outfit.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Other examples are Kilian Paris campaigns for Eid and Ramadan in the Middle East, and the Jo Malone campaign for the festive season of Diwali in Southeast Asia.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • In the past, Cooper has had an active online life, a cheerful and talkative presence behind his thick black beard.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The rooms, which are decorated with wood and natural fibers, are set back from two miles of stunning Montego Bay beachfront and contain an impressive number of cheerful works of art by Jamaican artists.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheerful

Browse Nearby Words

glee clubs
gleeful
gleefully
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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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