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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

"It just keeps you propelling. They shout 'Come on, keep that momentum. You're nearly there', and it makes you want to see that finish line... The crowds cheer and shout your name, it's fantastic."

From BBC • Apr. 6, 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

Those few boos were silly but they probably reflected the lack of something to cheer about, the lack of red meat to chew on.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Trying to cheer him up, I added, “I got good news, Papá. I was elected student body president and my friend was elected treasurer.”

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Vocabulary lists containing cheer

Instead of "Said": Words for Upbeat Banter

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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!