Definition of blithenext
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

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 As for prison itself, Boone is blithe. Carrie Battan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 Saul Steinberg’s artwork captured the insularity of Manhattan, the blithe sense of locals that not much beyond the island really exists nor matters. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025 Weary of dealing with angry calls from the mayor about Frank’s blithe trail of city property destruction, police chief Davis (CCH Pounder) warns him to play nice with major donor Kane, since Police Squad’s funding is at risk. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025 These lines are both nervous tics and statements of blithe confidence. Phillip MacIak, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for blithe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blithe
Adjective
  • The French—and, later, Anglo (Wilde, Beardsley, Rossetti)—attitude, mannered and morbid, was perhaps too Old World, at odds with our cheerful, Protestant rapacity.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Create a cheerful canvas collage inspired by artist Robin Anne Cooper.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Looking for an excuse to eat, drink and be merry this weekend?
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Knoxville and his merry band of delightfully sadistic goons are back for one possibly final rodeo.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While a warm, four-bar bassline chugs alongside dubby stabs and bouncy swells, BEA1991’s vocals switch from nonchalant monotone to falsetto in a way that sounds like an involuntary yelp of joy.
    Reid BG, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Glantz remained upright at his otherwise empty table, and his nonchalant noshing was caught on a CNN livestream of the room.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ahead of the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting Saturday, the mood in the air was cautiously optimistic as new and returning investors weighed the company’s direction under a new chief executive.
    Yun Li,Alex Harring,Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Blue Origin has a long way to go before achieving 100 New Glenn flights, and doing it within three years sounds overly optimistic.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood Neighboring St Moritz was adopted in the 19th century by all those jolly-hockey-stick Brits, who introduced skiing and tobogganing, but little Sils Maria has always been more cerebral.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Decorating a patio or backyard with the best outdoor decor ideas should feel more carefree than dressing your interiors.
    Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Catmint is a drought-tolerant, carefree perennial that asks only for well-draining soil and sunshine.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His orangey hair nearly matched a color in his brand-new Miami Dolphins jersey, the number thirty-nine spangly and bright.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • This popular, low-maintenance plant features stunning burgundy foliage and bright pink spring flowers.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • During the holiday season, the historic downtown welcomes over 2 million visitors to enjoy the festive activities, decorations and Christmas market.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Stock up on these for everyday dining and festive barbeques.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on blithe

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster