cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl How to pronounce cheerful (audio)
Synonyms of cheerful
1
a
: full of good spirits : merry
a cheerful host
b
: ungrudging
cheerful obedience
2
: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry
sunny cheerful room
cheerfully
ˈchir-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce cheerful (audio)
adverb
cheerfulness
ˈchir-fəl-nəs How to pronounce cheerful (audio)
noun

Synonyms of cheerful

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Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life. He seems a little more cheerful today.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Designed by Anastassiadis Architecture & Design, the interiors draw on the city’s design history of the 1950s and ’60s, with Brazilian furniture, cheerful colors, and natural materials like wood, linen, and stone. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026 So audiences may be surprised about his latest turn, playing a cheerful educator in the Old West with an affinity for the literary classics. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 Raad’s colorful cakes are at once cheerful and cold—his trademark tragicomic blend of fiction and fact. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Their visible bulbs create a bright, cheerful glow that pairs well with colorful vintage ornaments and heirloom decorations. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheerful

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheerful was in the 15th century

Rhymes for cheerful

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Browse Nearby Words

cheerer
cheerful
cheerfulize
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Cite this Entry

“Cheerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheerful. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective
cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl How to pronounce cheerful (audio)
1
a
: full of good spirits
a cheerful outlook
b
: willing sense 3
cheerful obedience
2
: pleasantly bright
a sunny cheerful room
cheerfully
-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce cheerful (audio)
adverb
cheerfulness
-fəl-nəs How to pronounce cheerful (audio)
noun
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