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.
There was more work to be done—there always is—but for now, this was a moment to rejoice. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026 The cohort of mostly 70-something players in the dugout rejoiced, waving their caps and hollering. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Celebrations extended above ground, where desperate loved ones and the rescuers rejoiced at their survival following a perilous search. — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 While renters often rejoice at these rent freezes, landlords and property owners often lament them, citing increasing operation and management costs. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoice

Nglish: Translation of rejoice for Spanish Speakers

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