BLITHE Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'blithe' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blithe are jocund , jolly , jovial , and merry . While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety. // arrived late in his usual blithe way

Q: Where would 'jocund' be a reasonable alternative to 'blithe'?

The words jocund and blithe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits. // singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

Q: When might 'jolly' be a better fit than 'blithe'?

The meanings of jolly and blithe largely overlap; however, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting. // our jolly host enlivened the party

Q: When can 'jovial' be used instead of 'blithe'?

The synonyms jovial and blithe are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship. // dinner put them in a jovial mood

Q: When is 'merry' a more appropriate choice than 'blithe'?

Although the words merry and blithe have much in common, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity. // a merry group of revelers

blithe

adjective

ˈblīth

Definition of blithe next

as in cheerful

having or showing a good mood or disposition a blithe, obedient child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in merry

indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor a blithe remark that good food enjoyed with good company makes good wine seem even better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonchalant

having or showing freedom from worries or troubles he has a blithe attitude about ever having to earn a living because he knows there's a trust fund in his future

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blithe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blithe are jocund, jolly, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

Where would jocund be a reasonable alternative to blithe?

The words jocund and blithe are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When might jolly be a better fit than blithe?

The meanings of jolly and blithe largely overlap; however, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

When can jovial be used instead of blithe?

The synonyms jovial and blithe are sometimes interchangeable, but jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When is merry a more appropriate choice than blithe?

Although the words merry and blithe have much in common, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of blithe This is a sleazy, wretched racket, yet the film is nearly as blithe about it as Shawn is. —

Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 July 2023 The blithe behavior of the officers and young women staffers in the photo is often unsettling, especially when the eight-member ensemble cast add an eerie soundtrack of laughter, accordion music or clattering spoons, as when the women eat fresh blueberries from china bowls. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2022 There will no doubt be some people who see the film and find its power structure, and its arguments, too lopsided, too blithe about Leo and all he’s carried with him into these trysts. —

Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2022 The paper makes the blithe assertion that Ethiopians have been resident in the highlands of that nation for tens of thousands of years, but the latest research is that that just isn't so. —

Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2012 See all Example Sentences for blithe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blithe

Adjective

Available in both a cheerful yellow daffodil and a muted pastel lavender, this handbag can add a vibrant statement to your outfit or a subtle pop of color.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
Plant was putting them through a cheerful endurance test, but the filmmakers were used to the hunt.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2025