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 Life that doesn’t just accept its sentence, but embraces it in joyful reverence? — Gabi Abrão, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Two of Kariem’s former students described him as joyful, patient and an inspiration. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Surrounded by pure and joyful chaos, Stein slowly walked onto the turf with his arms in the air in awe of the scene unfolding in front of him. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Here, everything feels so exciting, light, and joyful that guests secretly hope this night—like a good novel—will never end. — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 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
  • The cousin was thankful, but the Rev got the message that the family didn’t need financial help.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Because in post-Covid times distributors and exhibitors were thankful enough to even hit $8 billion in North America.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of thankful
Adjective
  • Bell’s clients, the insurers, must have been delighted to have such a keen pair of eyes on their side.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Grace is delighted and titillated by Todd’s speculation, and in the middle of a G7 Summit preparation meeting with Billie and Gannon, quietly asks Hal if Kate is pregnant.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of delighted
Adjective
  • As for the happy throng of guests, the dress code was wide open to interpretation, from paillettes to pink marabou.
    — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Knicks enter the 2026 season this week as defending NBA champions, as any New Yorker in your life would be happy to remind you.
    — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of happy
Adjective
  • Travis quickly got ready to help, but Swift didn’t seem too pleased.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Coach Bill Self, who hugged Bidunga shortly before tip, was not pleased with the obscene chants staring into the student section.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleased
Adjective
  • Many rabid fans from other cities would be glad to trade places with them anytime.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Just glad to be here with you guys and proud to represent one of the best states in the country.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of glad
Adjective
  • The judge also directed both parties, including Acosta Torres personally, to appear at a compliance hearing to demonstrate that the requirements had been satisfied.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Those who fall short have to be satisfied with simply gazing at the destination from the parking lot.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of satisfied
Adjective
  • The crowd is dominated by young people, with a joyous, almost carnival-like atmosphere in some parts.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Dolan was right that distractions can trip up a team, sowing just enough discord among its players to derail their chances at another title, and cut short their fans' chances at another joyous summer.
    — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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