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.

"Our responsibility is to guarantee everyone a festive celebration that is calm and fully secure," a police spokesperson said.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

Like Stanley Kubrick in “Eyes Wide Shut,” Almodóvar uses the season’s festive lights to contrast the turmoil the film’s characters feel inside.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

The energy was slightly festive, lightened by the absurdity of the situation.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Indonesia’s economy likely remained resilient, with growth forecast at 5.6%, supported by festive spending, fiscal stimulus and base effects, DBS said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

The cemetery is almost festive, with colorful flowers dotting the neatly trimmed graves.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

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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