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 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 The gleeful melodies of the church choir practicing next door seeped in. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleeful
Adjective
  • The friendly staff, who wear black uniforms with lettering that identifies their duties add to the hotel’s merry atmosphere.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This is a place where adults make the pilgrimage to the legendary Pinto Ron and Pizza Pete tailgate spot in the Hammer Lot where Pinto Ron's team of merry pranksters pour shots of liquor into a bowling ball finger hole.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Read More $24 at Amazon$26 at Anker These smart lights have beautiful colors, a nice selection of festive scenes, and an easy-to-use app.
    — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The special will air on BBC Two over the festive period and play on BBC iPlayer.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But the film hardly even merits such empty pastiche, and there’s little else to distinguish it from much cheap-and-cheerful streaming fodder in this genre space.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In Phoenix, there was an energetic and cheerful young man by the name of Craig Wismer.
    — Lauren Weiner, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleeful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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