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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 Friends knew him for a blithe personality that was both thoughtful and bubbly. Corina Knoll, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for blithe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blithe
Adjective
  • The movie’s most affecting moments are between Lynette and her brother, played with disarming cheerful innocence by Gottsagen and with alarming distress when Kenny is placed in tense situations.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Others expressed their appreciation for the remodel, calling it bright and cheerful.
    Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, they are pressured into becoming guests of the castle's owner, a transvestite mad scientist called Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), and his merry bad of misfits.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Robin Hood and his merry men were yeomen of the most courageous sort.
    Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her opponent was a noisy avalanche of language, but Kuang appeared cool and nonchalant.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Often, that involves baring her growing baby bump in a cool, nonchalant way.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the optimistic tone coming from so many world leaders ahead of Donald Trump’s Friday meeting with Vladimir Putin, one might be forgiven for believing a peaceful end to Russia’s war in Ukraine was merely hours away.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Pellegrino did not have specific numbers on ticket sales or corporate sales for this week’s tournament, but was optimistic that the BMW Championship could match or even exceed last year’s numbers.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 14 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
  • Substitute Wilson Isidor does not appear set for such a prominent role in the Premier League, but his breakaway goal, low past Hermansen, in stoppage time assured the Stadium of Light of a carefree finale of oles and embraces.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • On Sundays, Perez sees them with visitors outside, the scene reminiscent to her of families enjoying a carefree day at the park.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But the bright side is having extra time to explore one of the country’s busiest airports — instead of just counting the minutes to your next boarding call.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Despite the challenges that have beset American education, the horizon has bright points.
    Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There may be a few empty seats around the festive table this December at Mayor Michelle Wu’s annual no-whites-need-apply Kwaanza party at the Parkman House.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Pack festive baggies of this snack mix for your guests to take with them in the stands.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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