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.

“This looks like the role of a lifetime for you,” says Jing-nan’s uncle, a cheerful crook who wants his nephew to inform him of any illicit activities at the plant.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Helen is relentlessly cheerful around her daughter, though the strain often shows.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

In the weeks leading to Thursday's curtain call, 62-year-old Colbert has at times cut a subdued figure, lacking some of his usual cheerful flair.

From Barron's • May 21, 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

Mr. Green grinned and let out a cheerful snort, which seemed at odds with his gruesome appearance.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

cheerful

Example Sentences

Related Words