joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Synonyms of joyful
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully
ˈjȯi-fə-lē How to pronounce joyful (audio)
adverb
joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

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Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Surrounded by pure and joyful chaos, Stein slowly walked onto the turf with his arms in the air in awe of the scene unfolding in front of him. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Here, everything feels so exciting, light, and joyful that guests secretly hope this night—like a good novel—will never end. — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026 Ashton and Zachary Smith from Philadelphia are guests in Croatia this week after the couple accidentally celebrated their wedding in June with a crowd of joyful Croatian soccer fans during the FIFA World Cup in the United States. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Safe, equitable and joyful schools built on strong relationships between students, educators, families and communities. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Joycean
joyful
joyfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce joyful (audio)
adverb
joyfulness noun
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