Definitions

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.

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

But during this particularly festive weekend, give your mom the gift of indulgence — sugar, spice and everything nice.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

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

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Even in its early days, it was marked by the festive spirit that’s part of today’s gathering, where politicians are routinely roasted.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

“Oh! Christmas!” she exclaimed aloud, and not in the festive manner one might expect.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

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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