gleeful

adjective

ˈglē-fəl How to pronounce gleeful (audio)
Definition of gleefulnext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gleeful Amateur humiliation content has become widespread on the internet, giving Americans more opportunities than ever to indulge in gleeful disgust or righteous outrage. — Daniel Lachance, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 The sins of the father are ultimately presented in a literal, stomach-churning slideshow that haphazardly alternates benign family snaps with gleeful photographic evidence of Johan’s war crimes. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 Instead, the discourse centers about concerns about misogyny in the football program and the racial makeup of the student body – something no one would have predicted in those gleeful moments late Saturday night. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 The bikes were a smart and gleeful way to make the most of our limited time in South Lake Tahoe. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
  1. merry
  2. jolly
  3. festive
  4. cheerful
Adjective
  • Rather than getting stuck or trying to figure out a way to navigate around an obstacle, the robot can simply leap over it and continue on its merry way.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After tuning up, Batiste led his merry band of musicians to their stage.
    — Marc Lieberman, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • The track opens with a sprinkle of piano before morphing into a jolly celebration that’s really going to hit this holiday season.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Both his suggestion and the jolly appreciation seem out of tune with the situation ‘far from home’, which may be a military manoeuvre involving mock battles and bayonet practice, or a preparation for actual combat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • Featuring 36 pieces spanning handbags, jewelry, and footwear, the festive edit has something for everyone on your list, from the fabulous women in your life to the equally stylish men.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • It was also realized that having festive crowds enjoying the sight of a someone being killed was unseemly, exposing the base instincts that lie within us.
    — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • The vibe is of a cheerful — very upscale — Parisian market that’s centered around a section of fruits and vegetables displayed like in a museum.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheerful

Browse Nearby Words

glee clubs
gleeful
gleefully
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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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