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 Here, that flattening extends to the film’s overly polished setting, where Bargatze and Lagana’s gleeful script unfolds against a wildly generic version of suburban Tennessee. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 May 2026 Chapin, the mechanic on the Shawmut crew, was a wiry 6-footer with a winking sense of humor and a penchant for machine-shop patter peppered with gleeful profanity, a likable 26-year-old who’d been a reliable factory hand and test driver before the fire. — Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 Trump appears uninterested in a modest rightward adjustment, while the most powerful right-wing outlet in America, Fox News, has greeted CBS’ attempt to woo its audience with gleeful hostility. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 June 2026 There’s also a gleeful sequence where the six members of the virtuosic onstage band swan around in polyester housecoats and peroxide wigs, all representing H’s childhood piano teacher, Doris, a woman who toured with Horowitz and sounds like Foghorn Leghorn with a pack-a-day Virginia Slims habit. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
  1. merry
  2. jolly
  3. festive
  4. cheerful
Adjective
  • Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • When former President Barack Obama addressed the massive, merry crowd at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18, a few lines landed like a balm.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • The problem was that plenty of officials from both the government and national association wanted in on the glory, piggy-backing on the team for a jolly trip to the World Cup.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The Tar Heels went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but the next inning Gallaher and his teammates were having a jolly time on a clear and cool evening at Charles Schwab Field.
    — Eric Olson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • The Wharf also presents diverse choices, from Willowsong's local farm-to-table focus to Tiki TNT's festive rum bar, showcasing the capital's rich and varied gastronomic landscape.
    — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • This dip set features glittery red and green nails, accented with white and gold accents for a festive finish.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • With both extended families gathered at Athen’s Piraeus harbour, we where given a tearful goodbye with hearftfelt prayers and cheerful optimisum to begin our American journey.
    — Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Spend some time at a local pond or lake and greet these pretty waterfowl, observing their colorful markings and cheerful chatter.
    — Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gleeful

Nglish: Translation of gleeful for Spanish Speakers

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