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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Recent Examples of festive
The 2025 lineup includes the Holiday Cheer stamps—featuring festive flora and cardinals—that will be issued on September 13 in Washington, D.C., and an Elie Wiesel stamp honoring the renowned humanitarian, launching September 17 in New York City.
—
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Walking back to your room from the Superdome after attending the festival with thousands of other attendees is often more comforting and festive than waiting for a rideshare.
—Kachelle Pratcher, Essence, 27 June 2025
The Independence Day picnic itself was a festive affair, featuring remarks from President Trump and a B-2 bomber flyover as part of the celebrations.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 5 July 2025
As Americans prepare to celebrate July 4, businesses are using the holiday to attract customers with festive discounts and bonus offers.
—Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Walking back to your room from the Superdome after attending the festival with thousands of other attendees is often more comforting and festive than waiting for a rideshare.
—Kachelle Pratcher, Essence, 27 June 2025
The Independence Day picnic itself was a festive affair, featuring remarks from President Trump and a B-2 bomber flyover as part of the celebrations.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 5 July 2025
As Americans prepare to celebrate July 4, businesses are using the holiday to attract customers with festive discounts and bonus offers.
—Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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So where do locals and visitors in-the-know gather to eat, drink and be merry?—
Alissa Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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Throw on wide-leg jeans and a button-down, slip these on, and be on your merry way.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Crosby released a number of tunes throughout his career that were made perfectly for the jolliest time of the year, and his wins are still coming his way, even decades after his passing.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
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Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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More Getty Images Just hours earlier, Korda had posted a cheerful story showing four oversized suitcases and her golf travel bag lined up at the airport.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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Despite his serious voice, Gamboa highlighted González’s cheerful character.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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