joyful

1 of 2

adjective

joy·ful ˈjȯi-fəl

Synonyms of joyful

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē

adverb

joyfulness noun

joyfulness

2 of 2

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

Adjective We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

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.

Adjective

As joyful crowds took to the streets to celebrate the students' victory on Sunday, some in the crowd stoned the withdrawing police and dismantled a camp used by Vucic loyalists in a park in central Belgrade for more than a year. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 The three other members of Uppity are bubbly, guileless, and joyful to an extent that’s unique at any age, but especially rare in adulthood. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 No facial expression or vocal inflection can be read simply; the performance is at its most heartbreaking when at its most joyful. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Waititi’s the opposite of a detailed world-builder, which can be a good quality — his joyful disregard is what made his first Thor film so enjoyable. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English joyfulnesse, from joyful + -nesse- -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

Joycean

joyful

joyfully

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·ful ˈjȯi-fəl

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē

adverb

joyfulness noun

joyful

adjective

noun

Synonyms of joyful

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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