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

Examples 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
  • After a few still-entertaining but slightly off seasons, host Matt Lucas was replaced by Alison Hammond, whose cheerful ebullience has buoyed the vibes in the tent.
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Fans left with new friends and cheerful smiles, feeling lucky to have experienced all The Green Room had to offer, thanks to PATRÓN Tequila. Check out the full gallery HERE!
    Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Krampus Nacht attendees will have the opportunity to drink, be merry and throw axes in a series of challenges—after some practice with a professional.
    Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Oct. 2024
  • All his kills are righteous, all his women are gorgeous, all his men are merry.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • But perhaps the more pronounced change in her life since turning 50 is the fact that the fashion designer and former Spice Girl has grown more nonchalant about what the world around her thinks about her.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • His tone is more nonchalant than angry, spoken from the perspective of a 74-year-old man who seems to have long put any negative feelings in the rear view.
    Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Despite a bike bust in the years after the pandemic, both are optimistic about the industry’s future.
    Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Our data is optimistic, but the politics is uncertain.
    James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • These tunes usually begin to surge in November, as the days following Thanksgiving often signify the official start of the jolliest time of the year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
  • The video is a love letter to Paris as seen through the jolly eyes of Jacquemus, and features a cast of characters and friends (of Nike, Jacquemus, and the designer himself) including Serena Williams, Manu Rios, Central Cee, Carine Roitfeld, Amina Muaddi, and many, many more.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 10 July 2024
Adjective
  • For Dasha, who recently wrapped on her first ever Austin festival appearance, the excitement for giving a more carefree performance at the Green Room event was palpable.
    Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024
  • No surprises here, but the way the carefree peeping-tom comedy morphs into a miniature creature feature is crudely satisfying.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Avoid any bright light as this will affect your night vision.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Of all my habits, the one most crucial for my survival has been my awareness that there is no diamond as bright as me.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Champagne Toast 3-Wick Candle This fruity candle smells like a sparkling spritzer—perfect for setting the mood for a festive gathering.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
  • During the holiday season, travelers will find Christmas markets featuring Italian artisans, foods, and festive decor.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near blithe

Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on blithe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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