1
as in happiness
a feeling or state of well-being and contentment
the inexpressible joy that the couple are feeling upon the birth of their first child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delight
a source of great satisfaction
my car is my pride and joy
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to delight
to feel or express joy or triumph
the whole town is joying in the fact that its oldest church has been restored to its Victorian splendor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 joy
Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
Jason's kids have made a few surprise appearances on the brothers' New Heights podcast, and Travis has often opened up about the joys of being an uncle.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Nicole Chung, Time, 25 July 2023
In Rachel Kushner’s essay collection, The Hard Crowd, specifically the titular essay, there is an ode to joy near the beginning.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for joy 
Noun
This band and these songs have been such a source of joy for all of us.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
Jason's kids have made a few surprise appearances on the brothers' New Heights podcast, and Travis has often opened up about the joys of being an uncle.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
Acevedo’s treatment of magic as an everyday possibility is compelling, but there is also magic in the wonder, surprise, frustrations, and joys the characters experience in their relationships with one another.
—Nicole Chung, Time, 25 July 2023
In Rachel Kushner’s essay collection, The Hard Crowd, specifically the titular essay, there is an ode to joy near the beginning.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for joy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joy
Noun
-
Dopamine is also released, creating happiness and satisfaction while lowering levels of stress and anxiety.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That’s the delight of Morandi: his comedy has no rise or fall.—
Jackson Arn,
The New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2025
-
But most cats continue to knead blankets and pillows for the rest of their life, to the delight of humans.—
Claire Thornton,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.—
Patrick Smith,
NBC News,
19 Dec. 2022
-
If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
26 Aug. 2020
Noun
-
Chair Yoga with Susie, experience bliss and wellbeing.—
Ramona Sentinel,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Zoom in: The Glendale plant will produce several of Nestlé's creamer brands, including Coffee mate, natural bliss and Starbucks Coffee At Home.—
Jessica Boehm,
Axios,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Larry enjoyed traveling for both business and pleasure with his wife.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The Eagles want greatness − and the pleasure of unseating a rival.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, Ju won her first Emmy for Beef, which triumphed as that year’s Outstanding Limited Series.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Aitch triumphed in the hip-hop/grime/rap category over Central Cee, Dave, Loyle Carner and Stormzy.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In 2023, Ben played a Dunkin' employee serving unsuspecting attendees drinks and treats in a hidden camera-like spot.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
-
Surprise summer treats like s’mores, bonfires before sunset, and ice cream socials fit for kids and adults alike make days spent at the Inn that much sweeter.—
Eliseé Browchuk,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Thanks to his partnership with Goldbelly, though, anyone throughout the United States is now able to whip up a Kann feast for their friends and family.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Each pack includes wings with dipping sauces, your choice of sides, gallon-sized beverages and dessert to round out the feast.—
Tamia Boyd,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near joy
Cite this Entry
“Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joy. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share