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 No decision fatigue or awkward conversations to be had; the more, the merrier, baby! — Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 July 2026 Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for merry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merry
  1. jolly
  2. festive
  3. cheerful
Adjective
  • Both his suggestion and the jolly appreciation seem out of tune with the situation ‘far from home’, which may be a military manoeuvre involving mock battles and bayonet practice, or a preparation for actual combat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This plush captures its jolly mood with a big smile and a grinning sun across its belly (complete with sunglasses).
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of jolly
Adjective
  • Some come for the high-octane DJs at Shellona or the all-day revelry of Nikki Beach; others swear by the legendary glamour of Le Club 55 or the festive energy of Casa Amor.
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • To make the moment more festive, the hospital room was decorated with balloons and flowers, along with a cake.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of festive
Adjective
  • Perhaps a more cheerful outlet for such fears is to become more frequent farmers market shoppers before the season ends.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But for Miller, creating a cheerful classroom isn’t about filling every available space.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerful

Browse Nearby Words

merriness
merry
merry-andrew
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Cite this Entry

“Merry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merry. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on merry

Nglish: Translation of merry for Spanish Speakers

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