merry

adjective

ˈmer-ē How to pronounce merry (audio)
Definition of merrynext
as in jolly
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the traditional depiction of Santa Claus as a rotund man with merry, twinkling blue eyes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective merry differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of merry are blithe, jocund, jolly, and jovial. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

When can blithe be used instead of merry?

The synonyms blithe and merry are sometimes interchangeable, but blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When could jocund be used to replace merry?

Although the words jocund and merry have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

In what contexts can jolly take the place of merry?

The words jolly and merry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When is it sensible to use jovial instead of merry?

While in some cases nearly identical to merry, jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

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 merry The merry month of May used to be an outlier on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre calendar, and any artist that dared book past September tempted the wrath of show-stopping cold and snow. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025 The Ralph Lauren brand has been on a roll following a merrier holiday than most of the luxury industry in general. —Booth Moore, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 One of the merry swashbucklers on board was Bobby Fenoglio, whose family owns Fenoglio Boots in Nocona. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Mar. 2025 Common Yard Sale Mistakes Keeping It Solo The more, the merrier doesn't just apply to parties, and inviting friends and neighbors to join your sale is a fabulous way to attract more buyers. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for merry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merry
  1. jolly
  2. festive
  3. cheerful
Adjective
  • Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • Original price: $29.99 This festive pastel tower of eggs is a standout centerpiece for spring.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Each rabbit holds a festive springtime flower in a different pose that can be placed together or individually around the home.
    — Ali Faccenda, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • After congratulating the pregnant women, the husband and wife turn their attention to a cheerful Aisha.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The relaxed fit keeps it comfortable for all-day wear, and the sunny shade adds a cheerful touch to otherwise neutral travel basics.
    — Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of cheerful

Browse Nearby Words

merriness
merry
merry-andrew
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Merry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merry. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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