1
as in joy
a feeling or state of well-being and contentment
felt nothing but gladness at seeing her best friend beat her out for the award
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in contentment
the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met
the children's gladness was evident as they opened their Christmas presents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gladness
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
—
Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Hazel shrugged, but Lilian could see her gladness at being asked.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Over time in Middle English, myrth(e) narrowed to mean joy, amusement, or gladness, often expressed in laughter and festivity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Hazel shrugged, but Lilian could see her gladness at being asked.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Over time in Middle English, myrth(e) narrowed to mean joy, amusement, or gladness, often expressed in laughter and festivity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gladness
Noun
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James saw him one day and was drawn to help kids in similar situations realize their joy.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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As my sunken heart leapt up, my limbs warmed with joy and relief.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Noun
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But one theme of this record, as well as love and contentment, was about a reckoning with ambition.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
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Despite their questionable politics, something about the Millers’ wholesome, Christian contentment strikes a chord with Rue.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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McDonald didn’t bother hiding his happiness as KU’s defense stopped a pivotal fourth down late in the second quarter.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
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It’s brought a lot of joy, happiness and success to my life.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The situation is tricky enough in the case of innovations that users voluntarily adopt—plenty of people do not let their dim view of Meta overly interfere with their enjoyment of Instagram.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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The Moon in Capricorn moves through your 5th House, opposing Jupiter in your 11th, highlighting personal enjoyment versus group obligations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The Santa Fe burrito is a genuine pleasure—more restrained, built on a smaller scale, with green chile doing the complex, vegetal, low-burning work that other versions might leave to salsa—though, again, the tortilla serves its contents, rather than the hosannas going the other way.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
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This is about pleasure that’s honest and yours to indulge.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Noun
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But there’s a real satisfaction in watching Ohm figure out the suite’s unique conveniences, run by analog systems of pulleys and levers, confronting the terrors within and mastering them for his survival.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
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There’s real satisfaction in seeing something come together smoothly.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Noun
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Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Tom Winter,
NBC news,
7 May 2026
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The issue of antisemitism is also roiling the Green Party, which has passed Labour in the polls, but is now facing numerous scandals involving its candidates posting antisemitic content.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Screenwriter Jeremy Slater takes pains to pay homage to the games as much as possible, featuring so many throwaway references that the aficionados at the press screening were screaming with delight.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
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Susie, on the other hand, continues to be a perfect delight.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gladness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gladness. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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