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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Lucky skywatchers along the path of totality celebrated and cheered as the moon fully covered the sun, turning day briefly into night. — Raf Sanchez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026 But after a fireball erupted at last year’s Idaho’s Potato Drop, injuring a child and shattering windows, the event’s CEO, Dylan Cline, cheered the explosion and asserted the event wouldn’t be back to the downtown site near the Idaho Capitol. — Idaho Statesman, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
The audience broke into cheers during the impromptu duet and as the pair hugged before Sudeikis headed back into the crowd. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 As rehearsals descend into comic mayhem, and with the future of Willow Lodge at risk, Aubrey is forced to confront his own grief and rediscover the unexpected magic of friendship, community and Christmas cheer. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Aug. 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
  • Leaders of several similar operations including Masonicare in Wallingford, Duncaster in Bloomfield and Elim Park in Hamden joined Fairview officials in applauding its growth.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Commencement speakers are getting booed offstage for mentioning it, even as breakthroughs in medicine and service delivery are applauded elsewhere.
    — Brett White, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • That strategy—adding explicit advice to the reassurance—may be the fix that allows doctors both to reassure and persuade patients to stick with a treatment protocol.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In response, Huang once again stepped in personally to reassure the market.
    — , CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of reassure
Noun
  • Republicans are rubbing their hands in glee at the neocommunist advance in their opposing party.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • To the director’s glee, modern audiences may be more uncomfortable with Erika and Elliot’s lopsided power dynamic than the sight of sweet-faced Hoffman in a pig mask and panties.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • Aetrex is a technology company that uses data and learnings to design and create footwear that is anatomically correct to support your body from the ground up, offering superior arch support and pain relief.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Araghchi was appointed Foreign Minister in 2024 by President Masoud Pezeshkian, with a mandate to secure sanctions relief.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of relief
Noun
  • In that spirit, don’t expect to see superstars such as Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw or Nick Bosa.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The backstory L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, was built in 1929 as a commission for Allen Knight, an adventurer and author, as a way to bring together the artistic spirit of Carmel-by-the-Sea and European traditions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • Upon her return to Chase Center, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kate Martin receives a pregame tribute video and a standing ovation; Martin played one season for the Valkyries before being cut in training camp this year.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That production's final appearance in 1980 ignited a 45-minute ovation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of ovation
Verb
  • Guest judge Willy Chavarria praises how Jeffrey’s outfit moved (my favorite thing about it), but the strength of Naheim’s tromp l’oeil effect snags him the win, immunity for the next challenge, and $20,000 from Viva.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The play of both lines was pleasing to Harbaugh, who praised the performances of young defensive linemen TeRah Edwards and Jacobian Guillory.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • That assures the Yankees of his services for the 2027 season.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Davis assured that cottonmouths, though venomous, are not typically aggressive unless threatened.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 12 Aug. 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 16 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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