gleeful

adjective

glee·​ful ˈglē-fəl How to pronounce gleeful (audio)
Synonyms of gleefulnext
: full of glee : merry
gleeful laughter
gleefully
ˈglē-fə-lē How to pronounce gleeful (audio)
adverb
gleefulness noun

Synonyms of gleeful

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Examples of gleeful in a Sentence

the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl
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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.
Both gleeful gore and anachronistic music have been part of Lizzie Borden pop-culture lore before. — Dan Medeiros, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Caught between a defensive line of fans, an array of worried and/or triggered observers, and people dressing their gleeful critiques of a woman’s body in the guise of concern, Grande interjects some of the slowest, somberest music of her career. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 As the gleeful mayhem of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the men’s World Cup final settled around MetLife Stadium, three-time Ballon d’Or winner and reigning women’s World Cup champion Aitana Bonmatí approached Spain captain Rodri. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Still, the gleeful absurdity of that concept came with its own humanity. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gleeful was in 1586

Rhymes for gleeful

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Browse Nearby Words

gleed
gleeful
gleek
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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gleeful. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gleeful

Nglish: Translation of gleeful for Spanish Speakers

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