festive

[fes-tiv] / ˈfɛs tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

decorated, celebratory

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheery chipper convivial gala happy hearty jovial joyful joyous jubilant lighthearted merry peppy upbeat

WEAK

blithe bouncy carnival carnivalesque chirpy festal gay gleeful go-go grooving holiday jocund jolly juiced up jumping mirthful perky rocking snappy swinging zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic depressed lethargic miserable sad serious sorrowful troubled unhappy upset

WEAK

gloomy somber undecorated

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.

Every December, hospitals try to discharge as many patients as possible before the festive slowdown.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Then in the spirit of springtime renewal, thought-provoking plays like “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “Fences” will leave audiences in contemplation before festive summer item “Boop! The Musical” swoops in to lift spirits.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

After taking a train home to her native Hebei province, Beijing resident Hua Lei told AFP she would observe a subdued festive season.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

The club said it had seen "a small increase" in female spectators over the festive period.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

“Look, Stephen, I’m sorry to spoil your festive arrangements, but we didn’t come all the way down here to drink pop and watch TV.”

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing festive

Joy To The Word: Christmas Terms

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Emotions on Display

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The Help

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