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.

“We do Flag Day real big up here,” notes one of many cheerful residents of Three Oaks, Mich., in a literally and figuratively flag-waving documentary about the immensely pleasing nature of small-town pride.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 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

A sinister atmosphere hangs over the narrative, a marked shift from the cheerful fare of other major kid releases in the past several years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

“Hello, Ms. Bayer,” Mr. Espinosa says in a bright, cheerful voice.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

cheerful

Example Sentences

Related Words