MERRY Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'merry' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of merry are blithe , jocund , jolly , and jovial . While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity. // a merry group of revelers

Q: When can 'blithe' be used instead of 'merry'?

The synonyms blithe and merry are sometimes interchangeable, but blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety. // arrived late in his usual blithe way

Q: When could 'jocund' be used to replace 'merry'?

Although the words jocund and merry have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits. // singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

Q: In what contexts can 'jolly' take the place of 'merry'?

The words jolly and merry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting. // our jolly host enlivened the party

Q: When is it sensible to use 'jovial' instead of 'merry'?

While in some cases nearly identical to merry , jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship. // dinner put them in a jovial mood

merry

adjective

ˈmer-ē

Definition of merry next

as in jolly

indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the traditional depiction of Santa Claus as a rotund man with merry, twinkling blue eyes

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How does the adjective merry differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of merry are blithe, jocund, jolly, and jovial. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

When can blithe be used instead of merry?

The synonyms blithe and merry are sometimes interchangeable, but blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When could jocund be used to replace merry?

Although the words jocund and merry have much in common, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

In what contexts can jolly take the place of merry?

The words jolly and merry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When is it sensible to use jovial instead of merry?

While in some cases nearly identical to merry, jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

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 merry In their place stood a well-coiffed, 4-foot-7 pixie with merry eyes and extravagantly rolled r’s (German was her first language, English her fourth) and a girlish screech of a laugh. —

Louis Bayard, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 That is because that is when the network, as well as their sister network Hallmark Mystery, become nonstop broadcasters of all things holly, jolly, and merry thanks to Countdown to Christmas. —

Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 11 July 2024 However, Lauren and Mark reveal a merry side in between the launching of verbal missiles. —

Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 June 2024 Vocalist Joe Elliott, now sporting an august white mane, led the proceedings flanked by his singing compatriots Phil Collen (guitar), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Savage (bass), with drummer Rick Allen typically merry and thunderous back at the kit. —

Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for merry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merry

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