1
2
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor a blithe remark that good food enjoyed with good company makes good wine seem even better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blithe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blithe are jocund, jolly, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

Where would jocund be a reasonable alternative to blithe?

The words jocund and blithe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When might jolly be a better fit than blithe?

The meanings of jolly and blithe largely overlap; however, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When can jovial be used instead of blithe?

The synonyms jovial and blithe are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When is merry a more appropriate choice than blithe?

Although the words merry and blithe have much in common, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

Examples 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 blithe This is a sleazy, wretched racket, yet the film is nearly as blithe about it as Shawn is. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 July 2023 The blithe behavior of the officers and young women staffers in the photo is often unsettling, especially when the eight-member ensemble cast add an eerie soundtrack of laughter, accordion music or clattering spoons, as when the women eat fresh blueberries from china bowls. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2022 There will no doubt be some people who see the film and find its power structure, and its arguments, too lopsided, too blithe about Leo and all he’s carried with him into these trysts. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2022 The paper makes the blithe assertion that Ethiopians have been resident in the highlands of that nation for tens of thousands of years, but the latest research is that that just isn't so. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2012 See all Example Sentences for blithe 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blithe
Adjective
  • In the book, the cynical green character successfully steals Christmas from his cheerful neighbors in Whoville — with help from his pet dog Max — and learns the true meaning of Christmas along the way.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The days leading up to Christmas are some of the most special—when our homes are filled with twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and the cozy, unmistakable feeling of holiday magic.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Whether you’re drawn to a whimsical Fair Isle pattern or want something a bit more merry and bright, there’s a Walmart ugly Christmas sweater out there for you.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Whether for a grand occasion like a wedding or a simpler celebration like a kid’s birthday party, there’s no denying the joy that comes with a thoughtful piece of paper that’s been stuffed into an envelope, stamped, and sent on its merry, snail-mail way.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Chilling video showed a Mississippi teen murder suspect's nonchalant attitude after allegedly shooting and killing her mother, with the girl seen texting following the act.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 20 Sep. 2024
  • The moment was so nonchalant that Michael Porter Jr. didn’t even notice what had happened from the bench.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The outlook for 2025 appears cautiously optimistic.
    Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
  • But as cannabis research continues to gain traction, the road ahead looks increasingly optimistic.
    Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Bundle up and get ready to enjoy a jolly season this December, this month is packed with holiday celebrations.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024
  • He’s even currently being beaten by another one of his own jolly tracks.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In August 2021, a post was made on Reddit with the same caption, plastered over a photo of Drake looking carefree and elated.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Carefree Crepe Wrap Blazer The carefree crepe wrap blazer is tailored for a perfect fit, while a wrap front and tie belt closure help accentuate and flatter the waist.
    Michelle Mastro, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The double layering feels a little less preppy and more fashion-forward, and the bright red adds a cheery color pop.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The sky at the top of their driveway grew a brighter and brighter shade of red.
    Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Premier League football is non-stop during the festive season but some players could be about to get Christmas off.
    Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
  • What's New Egg prices are once again rising across the U.S., as the bird flu plaguing the country lingers on and people get ready to bake for the festive season.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near blithe

Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on blithe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!