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 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 Like most people, Sarnoski grew up with the light hearted stories of Robin Hood and his merry men. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 20 June 2026 Our leads will be abandoning the mean streets of New York City for merry old London. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 Starr and his band of merry men would deliver a 100-minute-plus show that was filled with 22 great tunes that most everyone in the house knew by heart. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for merry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merry
  1. jolly
  2. festive
  3. cheerful
Adjective
  • This is not the first time that either star of Naughty has gotten audiences into a jolly mood.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • Yet behind the festive atmosphere lies a tradition rooted in the worship of deities and rituals of protection.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Welcome guests into your home with this festive wreath from National Tree Company.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • At a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in 2012, their cheerful father-son bond shines among the crowd.
    — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Eva Chen’s table-and-stool set makes the most of this fleeting chapter with sculptural silhouettes, cheerful colors, and four whimsical stools—each with its own shape—that let everyone claim their own seat.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
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 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on merry

Nglish: Translation of merry for Spanish Speakers

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