rejoice

verb

re·​joice ri-ˈjȯis How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
rejoiced; rejoicing
Synonyms of rejoice

transitive verb

: to give joy to : gladden

intransitive verb

: to feel joy or great delight
rejoicer noun
rejoicingly
ri-ˈjȯi-siŋ-lē How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
adverb
see also:
rejoice in

Synonyms of rejoice

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Examples of rejoice in a Sentence

We all rejoiced over our friend's good luck. rejoiced over our unexpected victory on the soccer field
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.
Some climate advocates may initially rejoice at slowing electricity demand. — Justin Worland, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Rather than rejoice at the prospect of more fuel with fewer strings attached, experts and stakeholders don’t see many advantages to the change. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 Deep into her crush on Bennett’s Aaron Samuels in the film, Lohan’s Cady Heron rejoices when, in class, Aaron turns around to ask her the date. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Oct. 2026 In November 1913, Los Angeles rejoiced to welcome a lavish, steady [and more or less purloined] flow of water. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rejoice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French rejois-, stem of rejoier, rejoir, from re- + joir to welcome, enjoy, from Latin gaudēre to be glad — more at joy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of rejoice was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rejoice

Rhymes for rejoice

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Browse Nearby Words

rejigger
rejoice
rejoiceful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rejoice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rejoice. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rejoice

verb
re·​joice ri-ˈjȯis How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
rejoiced; rejoicing
1
: to give joy to : gladden
news that rejoices the heart
2
: to feel joy or great delight
rejoice over a friend's good luck
rejoicer noun
rejoicingly
-ˈjȯi-siŋ-lē How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
adverb
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