joyful

adjective

ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Definition of joyfulnext
as in thankful
experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

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 joyful Photo Album Take a look at these photos of joyful July 4 celebrations across the decades. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 The joyful reaction of Europeans visiting for the World Cup suggests plenty of people elsewhere would love the chance to live and work here. — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Their joyful response was the first celebration of American independence. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026 Meanwhile, labels like Steve Madden, Melissa, Tyler Ellis, and Dolce Vita are exploring contemporary silhouettes and vibrant color palettes that tap into fashion’s growing embrace of whimsy, nostalgia, and joyful dressing. — Sanika Achrekar, Glamour, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joyful
  1. thankful
  2. delighted
  3. happy
  4. pleased
  5. glad
  6. satisfied
  7. joyous
Adjective
  • For Veronica Villa — who had her photo taken — the Fourth of July means being thankful to live in California specifically.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Matt and Danielle were able to bring their healthy twin boys home, and feel thankful for the quick response from Perinton Ambulance and Highland Hospital.
    — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of thankful
Adjective
  • When asked about whether this was a tribute to actress Caitlin Zoz, who plays the character Kathleen Billings on the series, Yost seemed delighted at picking up on that.
    — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
  • Adam Green, a co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, is delighted with Kiros’s win over DeGette, and with the broader successes of insurgent Democrats so far this primary season.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of delighted
Adjective
  • At the beach, maybe, at a barbecue or whatever place sets fireworks pinwheeling through your holiday-happy mind.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Like many great works of American literature, the book is an unflinching portrait of a seemingly happy family held together by hubris and fear of change.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
Definition of happy
Adjective
  • Jacie Prieto Lopez, LA28’s vice president of communications and public affairs, said in a statement that her organization is pleased to forward the agreement to the council for consideration.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Jackass fans appear pleased with the celebration that combines a look back at classic stunts alongside an array of new footage, with Best and Last nabbing an A- CinemaScore.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
Definition of pleased
Adjective
  • Overall, though, the nurses are glad for the staffing standards, Casas said.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026
  • Most players would be glad to end their careers with 500 appearances — to have almost 1,000 goals is freakish, outlandish, historic.
    — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of glad
Adjective
  • And with that, brands are no longer satisfied with trackside visibility alone.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Mortgages will also generally continue to rack up interest until the loan is satisfied and many personal and auto loans also continue to accumulate interest, according to their terms.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of satisfied
Adjective
  • Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.
    — Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Definition of joyous

Browse Nearby Words

joyed
joyful
joyfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joyful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Nglish: Translation of joyful for Spanish Speakers

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