as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor we arrived at the Christmas party to find everyone already in a festive mood, perhaps owing in part to the punch

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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 festive Santo Coyote has an impressive brunch buffet with dramatic décor and a festive, family scene. Freda Moon, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 For those who miss the ritual of a cocktail—the thunk of ice against a beautiful tumbler, the pop, the fizz, and the raising of the glass—there are more and more substitutes every day, and some feel truly festive. Jessica Iredale, airmail.news, 12 Feb. 2025 It’s been a lifelong dream to join these world-famous celebrations in a place like Michoacán or Oaxaca, where cemeteries come to spectacular life with glowing candles, marigold petals, and families gathering around festive ofrendas that honor the dead. Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025 Martha Stewart released even more sleepwear at Amazon this week — keep scrolling to check out other festive pajamas and accessories for Valentine’s Day. Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Now Quentin and his merry band of murderous gays are dead by her hand, presumably leaving Greg to enjoy an undivided inheritance of $500 million.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In the Hollywood version, Julie Andrews plays the adorable Maria opposite Christopher Plummer’s dashing captain, leading their merry band of children out of Austria on the cusp of the Second World War.
    Vogue, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.
    Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Available in both a cheerful yellow daffodil and a muted pastel lavender, this handbag can add a vibrant statement to your outfit or a subtle pop of color.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Plant was putting them through a cheerful endurance test, but the filmmakers were used to the hunt.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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