Definition of festivenext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor we arrived at the Christmas party to find everyone already in a festive mood, perhaps owing in part to the punch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 festive The Diwali name and festive percussion gave the song a faintly South Asian vibe. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 Beyond the music, there are festive parades, workshops for making puppets or gardening, a 5K run, yoga, silent discos and much more. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 Use red wine for a traditional or festive holiday sangria. Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 There was plenty to feel festive about. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • When former President Barack Obama addressed the massive, merry crowd at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18, a few lines landed like a balm.
    Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The problem was that plenty of officials from both the government and national association wanted in on the glory, piggy-backing on the team for a jolly trip to the World Cup.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The Tar Heels went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but the next inning Gallaher and his teammates were having a jolly time on a clear and cool evening at Charles Schwab Field.
    Eric Olson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • With both extended families gathered at Athen’s Piraeus harbour, we where given a tearful goodbye with hearftfelt prayers and cheerful optimisum to begin our American journey.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Spend some time at a local pond or lake and greet these pretty waterfowl, observing their colorful markings and cheerful chatter.
    Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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