joyful

adjective

ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Definition of joyfulnext
as in thankful
experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 joyful To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 Since then, however, touring has not been a joyful experience for Pakistan. — Ben Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The point is not that patients should spend the money on something joyful instead of medication, bills or another necessity. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026 Savory ham, Swiss cheese, egg yolks, and a sharp mustard round out this joyful, winky nod to the croquier madame sandwich, naturallement. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joyful
  1. thankful
  2. delighted
  3. happy
  4. pleased
  5. glad
  6. satisfied
  7. joyous
Adjective
  • Collier said the school district is thankful local leaders stepped in to negotiate with the Plaza’s owners and create a better deal for schools.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • So thankful to Alabama Athletics for refuting it on my behalf.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of thankful
Adjective
  • The children who’d grown up in the house—eight of them, raised by a single mother who emigrated from Ireland—were equally, if not more, delighted.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Eagle fans were delighted to see Kaydee spend more time in Jackie and Shadow's longtime nest over the weekend.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of delighted
Adjective
  • However, Heaika expects some things in return and isn’t happy to see Ejva fall for his cousin.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The question to ponder in sports today is whether speech functions as an act with a cost or as a renewable resource for an audience happy to waste time on slop.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of happy
Adjective
  • Mike Skibbe, executive director of the Buffalo Grove Community Foundation, looked pleased as the event began.
    — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to lamenting the penalties, Johnson also wasn’t pleased with the offense’s performance inside the 20-yard line.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of pleased
Adjective
  • The Carolina Panthers better be glad that Wednesday’s joint practice against the Houston Texans didn’t count in the NFL standings.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Hot sleepers will be glad to know that the smooth sateen weave lyocell shell is more absorbent than regular cotton.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of glad
Adjective
  • In most cases, the entitlement is not fully restored until the assumed loan is paid off, refinanced or otherwise satisfied.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Ellison has now satisfied that request, pledging in writing to release 30 films a year for three years and to give each a 45-day window.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of satisfied
Adjective
  • After hoping to make the team, Fauthoux didn’t receive the joyous phone calls her peers did from the French head coach and general manager last weekend.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The service As guests step foot on Jumeirah Olhahali Island, they are greeted with a joyous traditional Maldivian Boduberu dance accompanied by drumming and harmonious chants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of joyous

Browse Nearby Words

joyed
joyful
joyfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joyful. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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