glee

noun

ˈglē How to pronounce glee (audio)
Definition of gleenext
as in cheerfulness
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter the evident glee with which the tabloids report on the misfortunes of celebrities

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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 glee 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 Neither his Democratic critics nor the Republicans who seem to be awaiting his nomination with glee are apt to make that distinction for Michigan voters. — Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 Social media exploded with stories of glee, even emanating from funeral services. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for glee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glee
  1. cheerfulness
  2. cheer
  3. festivity
  4. mirth
Noun
  • Kikuko sometimes mistook Shigejiro’s cheerfulness for egoism owing to the distortions produced by her illness.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Positive qualities—promptness, diligence, cheerfulness—sped up your ascent through the ranks; negative ones—laziness, dissipation, late mornings—slowed it down.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Definition of cheerfulness
Noun
  • In the 2006 film, Panettiere and Solange starred as two rival high school cheerleaders who end up on the same cheer squad after Panettiere’s Britney moves to the same school as Solange’s Camille.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • An event for more than just racers Several thousand Portlanders turned out to watch and cheer.
    — Deena Prichep, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheer
Noun
  • And the crowd on-hand watching the festivities roared in amusement.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In high school, Messick and his buddies would gather in one of their backyard pools, order pizza and watch the All-Star week festivities.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of festivity
Noun
  • Their pairing begs the question of whether misery and mirth alternate, blend, or coexist.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
  • There’s a fair bit of mirth in all this, and in Glanz’s brittle, snippy dialogue, which is abetted by the casting.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 4 June 2026
Definition of mirth

Phrases Containing glee

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gleans
glee
glee club
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Cite this Entry

“Glee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glee. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on glee

Nglish: Translation of glee for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glee

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