cheer 1 of 2

verb

Definition of cheernext
1
as in to applaud
to declare enthusiastic approval of critics and fans alike have cheered the latest addition to the author's series of fantasy novels

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reassure
to ease the grief or distress of let's hope that these flowers will cheer my ailing aunt at least a little

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cheer

2 of 2

noun

ˈchir How to pronounce cheer (audio)
1
as in glee
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter a birthday celebration filled with affection and cheer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relief
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble the visiting general had some words of cheer for each of the hospital's recuperating soldiers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spirit
a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion be of good cheer in this Christmas season

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4
as in ovation
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval all three movies in the series received cheers from fans of the novels

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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 cheer
Verb
In a way, MacLeod is cheering for his own obsolescence; AI output is as proficient as most royalty-free music. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Investors cheer continuity at the top, but continuity of policy requires a working majority and a fiscally responsible plan for power. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
In the morning, the Sacramento Sirens cheer squad and the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus performed on the fairgrounds, before festivities headed indoors. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026 The cheers keep coming whether at Wrigley Field or on the road. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheer
  1. applaud
  2. reassure
  3. glee
  4. relief
  5. spirit
  6. ovation
  7. praise
  8. assure
Verb
  • When Richard applauded one such culinary act of defiance, the man took the opportunity to shoot the king.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • For many the agency has lost its way (unless your public comments serve to restrict gopher tortoises, or applaud bear hunts or cheer for a high-speed roadway carved through conservation lands).
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • But the adrenaline and the thought of being there, surrounded by the industry’s top professionals, reassured us and kept that weight from getting to us.
    — Alice Politi, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
  • Romero is expected to leave Spurs during this window, and his performances in America will have reassured interested clubs.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of reassure
Noun
  • Russian war bloggers responded to Fedorov’s dismissal with glee, noting his role in masterminding long-range drone strikes on oil facilities that have caused a fuel crisis and midrange attacks that disrupted military logistics.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • Although Jones takes responsibility for the hurt and dysfunction his compulsive tomcatting caused, the legendary lothario details his conquests with barely disguised glee.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • Born and raised in Liberty City, Gunder has worked to aid Black communities with housing, provide hurricane relief, and assist low-income communities.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Cameron pitched seven scoreless innings in relief while allowing two hits, three walks and recording eight strikeouts.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of relief
Noun
  • There are more than 400 original contemporary artworks throughout Ibiza Gran Hotel, with many created by Mediterranean artists whose work reflects the culture and spirit of the region.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • After that, Ginn was pulled by manager Mark Kotsay and received a standing ovation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Brunson received a tremendous ovation from the fans who packed the arena.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of ovation
Verb
  • Trump did strike some notes of unity, praising the Secret Service and denouncing political violence.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The guide praised Stubborn Seed’s commitment to sustainability.
    — Connie Ogle July 25, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Although Wangchuk broke his fast on July 24 after the government assured him that steps would be taken to address the students’ demands, the protest kept growing.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • The Academy’s Board of Governors is the group that sets the organization’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Definition of assure

Phrases Containing cheer

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cheeps
cheer
cheered
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Cite this Entry

“Cheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheer. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cheer

Nglish: Translation of cheer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cheer

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