JOYFUL Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

joyful

adjective

ˈjȯi-fəl

Definition of joyful

as in thankful

experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 joyful Ashton and Zachary Smith from Philadelphia are guests in Croatia this week after the couple accidentally celebrated their wedding in June with a crowd of joyful Croatian soccer fans during the FIFA World Cup in the United States. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Safe, equitable and joyful schools built on strong relationships between students, educators, families and communities. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Volunteers Janice Maggiora and Donna Blink said McDaniel's passion for people inspires their own joyful giving. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 We were particularly drawn to his playful and joyful approach as well as his strong sense of print and color. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for joyful

Adjective

Because in post-Covid times distributors and exhibitors were thankful enough to even hit $8 billion in North America.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Charity and neighborliness helped a lot — many victims are still thankful to churches and neighbors that volunteered their labor, according to Whitney Bailey, a disaster response project director at AppalReD Legal Aid.

— Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of thankful

Adjective

The Prince Charles Cinema is the embodiment of that spirit, and through this agreement, Criterion is delighted to continue supporting a vibrant and diverse West End.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Breccia said the company already had sales alliances with Asian counterparts, notably in South Korea and Thailand, and was delighted to now bring the Philippines into that network.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of delighted

Adjective

With Heather finally in a happy relationship, perhaps others had to sacrifice theirs to keep the balance.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
The report also highlights interest in happy-hour dining and value-focused restaurant experiences, suggesting diners want memorable outings without necessarily paying for a full dinner.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of happy

Adjective

Despite Antetokounmpo’s big night, Spoelstra wasn’t pleased with the Heat’s spacing on Wednesday.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Gamers will be pleased to know that several game companies are going to be bringing native Arm versions of popular games.

— Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleased

Adjective

Welcome back Insiders, glad to have you here after a busy week in Cannes and plenty else going on.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
The publisher was so glad, saying thank you because the book is back, and on top of that, the world is discovering that character.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of glad

Adjective

For the cover of the October 26, 2026, New Yorker Festival Issue, the artist Mark Ulriksen painted a joyous image of Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks’ starting lineup.

— Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
At the same time, attendees described the mood of Saturday as joyous and uplifting.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of joyous

Browse Nearby Words

joyed

joyful

joyfully

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

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Synonyms of joyful

adjective

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