merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.
a merry group of revelers
blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.
arrived late in his usual blithe way
jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.
singing, dancing, and jocund feasting
jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.
dinner put them in a jovial mood
jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.
our jolly host enlivened the party
Example Sentences
Let's eat, drink, and be merry! They sang a merry little song.
Recent Examples on the WebThese farmhouse Christmas crafts combine natural elements and vintage finds for a look that's as warm and merry as Ol' Saint Nick. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2022 Thanksgiving and Christmas might not be so merry for people traveling to see friends and relatives this year. Chris Morris, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2022 Combining that number with Off-Premise purchases (grocery stores, wine shops, etc.) and direct to consumer (DTC) shipments from wineries, the 2021 holiday season could be quite merry. Liz Thach, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 All seems merry and bright since the toys have reached their destination safely, but the scene mirrors Andy's birthday party in the film's opening – the toys might be getting replaced by newer and cooler toys. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE.com, 30 Nov. 2021 Thousands of people did pirate-y things, snagged beads from the parade route, and generally ate, drank and were merry. Curt Anderson, ajc, 30 Jan. 2022 Batman Returns is the merry Christmas movie that starts when two parents toss their baby off a bridge. Darren Franich, EW.com, 20 Jan. 2022 Johannessen Lights has become somewhat of a community event, drawing thousands each year for a display that’s incredibly merry and bright. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 17 Dec. 2021 Many thanks to our friends at Magic City Kitties, who helped to make the holidays merry and bright. Mary Colurso | Mcolurso@al.com, al, 21 Dec. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English mery, from Old English myrge, merge; akin to Old High German murg short — more at brief
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4
Time Traveler
The first known use of merry was before the 12th century