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.

In a festive atmosphere, the punters are seated on long tables with 50 down each side.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

"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

“Many people don’t feel very festive these days because of the economic situation,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

“It kind of goes hand in hand with the type of work I do, because my stuff is really festive, celebrating culture. And just as an L.A.-based artist, I think the collaboration made sense.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

They came hurrying out, rubbing their eyes in excitement, for any kind of surprise in food was a rare and festive thing in the cold dead of winter.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien

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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