Definitions

cheerful

[cheer-fuhl] / ˈtʃɪər fəl /

ADJECTIVE

happy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animated bright buoyant cheery chipper chirpy effervescent enthusiastic good-natured happy jaunty jolly joyful lighthearted lively merry optimistic peppy perky pleasant rosy sanguine sunny upbeat

WEAK

airy blithe bouncy bucked contented enlivening full of pep gay glad gladsome good-humored hearty high hilarious hopeful in good spirits in high spirits jocund roseate snappy sparkling sprightly up vivacious winsome zappy zingy zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic cloudy depressed depressing down dull gloomy heavy-hearted hopeless inactive lethargic lifeless not happy pale pessimistic sad serious sorrowful unenthusiastic unhappy upset

WEAK

cheerless grave heavy melancholy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eisenhower had an instinct for creating a cooperative spirit and came across as a cheerful and broadminded commander.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

At the top of a design from the 1430s for the tower of the Imperial Cathedral in Frankfurt, drawn in a spirited freehand, is a group of unusually cheerful gargoyles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Despite cinema’s extensive library of cheerful animal heroes, led by “Babe” and Wilbur of “Charlotte’s Web,” the titular premise of “The Sheep Detectives” apparently strikes many people as bizarre.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Before she headed to the locker room, Burrell thanked everyone and called out a cheerful invocation, “Successful first game!”

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

I got the message and we fed him—small amounts, still almost starvation, but something—and Fred returned to his former cheerful self.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

cheerful

Example Sentences

Related Words