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Definitions

cheer

[cheer] / tʃɪər /
NOUN
happiness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delight encouragement glee joy optimism
STRONG
animation buoyancy cheerfulness comfort exuberance gaiety geniality gladness hilarity hopefulness jauntiness jocundity joyousness lightheartedness liveliness merriment mirth solace
WEAK
cheeriness good cheer merry-making
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discouragement sadness sorrow unhappiness
STRONG
depression distress gloom irritation
WEAK
boo gravity melancholy seriousness
NOUN
applause, supportive yell
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cry encouragement ovation roar shout
STRONG
acclamation approbation approval hurrah plaudits
WEAK
hurray huzzah
Antonyms
STRONG
disapproval
WEAK
boo depression gloom gravity melancholy sadness seriousness unhappiness
VERB
make someone feel happier
Synonyms
STRONGEST
buoy comfort elate encourage hearten
STRONG
animate brighten console elevate embolden enliven exhilarate gladden help incite inspirit solace steel strengthen uplift upraise warm
WEAK
brace up buck up give a lift let the sun shine in perk up pick up put on cloud nine put on top of the world snap out of it
Antonyms
STRONGEST
depress discourage
STRONG
agitate decrease dull hurt sadden trouble upset weaken worry
WEAK
bring down dishearten dissuade make unhappy
VERB
encourage in activity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
applaud clap hail salute yell
STRONG
acclaim hurrah plug root support
WEAK
rise to sound off for
Antonyms
STRONG
disapprove
WEAK
bring down depress discourage dishearten dissuade make unhappy

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.

The developments are clearly constructive, and markets can cheer the news that diplomacy has gained a foothold, Saxo Markets’ Charu Chanana said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

If that seems too esoteric a milestone for a financial newsletter, it’s worth noting that investors have some reason to cheer too.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

"The disappointment is profound, but the country is not only disappointed but almost disillusioned. It's as if a new generation no longer knows what it means to cheer for their country."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Early in the second quarter, James gave the fans even more to cheer about, catching a high lob pass from Marcus Smart and throwing down a one-handed dunk to oohs and aahs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Then Audrey tried to cheer her up by bringing snacks or funny books, but that hadn’t worked, either.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Vocabulary lists containing cheer

Instead of "Said": Words for Upbeat Banter

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Common Five-letter Words for Wordle, List 2

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Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!