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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

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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

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 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
  • Most people equate happiness with automatically being cheerful all the time.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Drawing daisies at the cuticle line of a couple nails paired with double French tips is a perfect recipe for a cute and cheerful mani.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Robin Hood and his merry men were yeomen of the most courageous sort.
    Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025
  • Luis Enrique’s merry band of wunderkind’s lap the confetti-laden Allianz Arena.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • On vacation, Nicola Peltz styled hers in a breezy, nonchalant way, with a black tank and yellow paisley-print skirt.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 July 2025
  • The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Variety projected the film to earn $45 million to $52 million this weekend, while Box Office Pro’s forecast was a bit more optimistic with a $45 million to $55 million second frame projection.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The energy around you may feel optimistic, so now is the time to restore faith in the process of your personal journey.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Known for her flamboyant costumes and signature fruit hat, the scent’s essence is all about channelling the fantasy of a carefree, beachside summer.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Warm weather, cool comforts, and carefree living await—at Sunnybrook Villas in northwest Olathe.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • The video — which is less than 10 seconds — delivers glimpses of the new suit, which features raised black webbing against the sharp red that is reminiscent of the comics' bright red and blue suit.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The lights’ bright colors are determined by the chemical composition of the atmosphere.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft gingerbread cookies with a sugary crunch in festive fall packaging Club Pack Brownie Pumpkins: Fall-favorite Little Debbie Brownie Pumpkins will be available in a convenient 20-count Club Pack format.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
  • There was nothing festive about their 10th loss in 12 games to continue what’s been a sudden and unexpected fall to the fringes of contention.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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