1
as in cheerfulness
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter
rather than mourn our friend's death we celebrated his life, and his memorial service was more notable for its festivity than its funereal gloom
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in celebration
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something
year-long festivities will mark the 300th anniversary of the city's founding
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in merrymaking
joyful or festive activity
in keeping with their habit of doing everything in a big way, the couple's wedding will entail a whole weekend of festivity
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of festivity
Though many fewer cliff swallows return to Capistrano these days due to development and other factors, the people there continue to celebrate weeklong festivities to herald the birds’ arrival.
—
Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
The country-pop star closed out the Nissan Stadium festivities with a set that included a pair of duets with her friend and collaborator Noah Kahan.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Other celebrities who reportedly made the guest list include Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Jeong, according to TMZ.
Many of Thicke and Geary's guests arrived early to kick off the weekend festivities.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 31 May 2025
Today’s festivities host a global who’s who of the jet set.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for festivity
Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
The country-pop star closed out the Nissan Stadium festivities with a set that included a pair of duets with her friend and collaborator Noah Kahan.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Other celebrities who reportedly made the guest list include Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Jeong, according to TMZ.
Many of Thicke and Geary's guests arrived early to kick off the weekend festivities.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 31 May 2025
Today’s festivities host a global who’s who of the jet set.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for festivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festivity
Noun
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Cackling with glee, in a top hat with golden demon horns poking through it, Daymond’s Malvolio has the characters compete against one another in physical challenges — like trying to pop balloons by slamming their butts down on them while a teammate holds them in place, ready for the squashing.—
James Grebey,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
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The audience seemed to agree, welcoming the over-the-top action sequences, Pemberton’s insights about the soundtrack – and especially the news about that scandalous Maron-Lyonne banter – with glee.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
11 June 2025
Noun
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The 2025 edition of DOC NYC Selects is almost here, and IndieWire can announce the program for the summer extension of the annual fall documentary festival.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
9 June 2025
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Stewart was the first act confirmed for this year’s festival, and is planning to play for an hour and a quarter on the Pyramid Stage – his slot expected to draw a crowd of up to 100,000.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Their everlasting merrymaking might seem warm and fuzzy at first glance, but in truth, there is a gloomy undercurrent to their existence, hiding just beneath the surface.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2025
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Alternatively, the Perry Lane Hotel, as well as the brand-new, Ann Savannah, will put you in the heart of the merrymaking.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Some of the biggest cheers of the afternoon came when Jared Young, a position player who was forced into pitching duty, got Kameron Misner to fly out to end the top of the ninth.—
Peter Sblendorio,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2025
-
President Trump’s presence at the Kennedy Center last week was met with both cheers and jeers.—
Becket Adams,
National Review,
15 June 2025
Noun
-
Parties at vacation rentals sometimes raise the ire of neighbors when holiday revelry gets out of hand.—
Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
Boston Herald,
24 May 2025
-
Often this will involve kids throwing popcorn and climbing on their friends’ shoulders in revelry — nothing too dissimilar from what takes place at many midnight screenings.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That merriment includes exploring some of the secluded isles on the Tuscan coastline.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 May 2025
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Federal Street in front of the stadium, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and two blocks of 6th Street in Downtown will be closed off to vehicles and filled with food, drink and merriment for Buccos fans.—
Ryan Deto,
Axios,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Some years at Cannes, the Med’s most effervescent seasonal kickoff, the bubbles and spice of the social froth provide the jollity.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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Sign up Eating and drinking (Image credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises) The first thing to say about eating on The Ravel is that there is no Captain's Table or forced jollity with other passengers.—
James Rampton,
theweek,
6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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With the Red Army closing in, such gatherings, expressions of a desperate gaiety, a fin d’une époque efflorescence, weren’t rare.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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With the Red Army closing in, such gatherings, expressions of a desperate gaiety, a fin d’une époque efflorescence, weren’t rare.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festivity. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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