MERRY Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

merry

adjective

ˈmer-ē

Definition of merry next

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

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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 The holidays are behind us, but D.C. is still merry and bright. —

Analis Bailey, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 In the second snippet, the mother and son wish viewers a merry Christmas before the camera pans to a roaring fireplace. —

Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 26 Dec. 2024 Bringing his Rolling Thunder Revue tour to small stages across the nation, Dylan and his band of merry pranksters (Allen Ginsberg, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez) played music… and so much more. —

Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025 Though drinking spikes during the holidays − 47% of men and 40% of women admitted to binge drinking during the merry season, according to American Addiction Centers − more adults are actually interested in sobering up. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for merry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merry

Adjective

The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.

— Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024