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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

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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
  • Suddenly, everyone’s wardrobe is far more cheerful, nature is blooming in every corner, and our favorite brands begin unveiling fresh colorways inspired by the season’s change.
    Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Many Faces of Organizational Silence Toxic positivity isn't just about being excessively cheerful.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Personal differences, school commitments, and career opportunities threaten to permanently break up the merry band of role-players.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Afterwards, the trap would have released the insect, to go on their merry way.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The nonchalant nature of the talking stage can also shield individuals from rejection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Among the many characters in the mural are: a gray cat perched in a tree; a white-and-black dog digging excitedly in the grass; a nonchalant orange cat lounging without a care; a dachshund mid-chase after a ball; and a black cat leaping into the air, back arched in dramatic flair.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But others – including both experts who spoke to CNN – were more optimistic.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Goldman Sachs’ overall forecasts are slightly more optimistic than the average.
    Josh Fellman, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Basked in spring sunlight on Saturday, Goodison had the carefree air of a place that knows Everton’s safety has been secured.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Kate Hudson and Mini-Me Daughter Rani, 6, Enjoy Their First 'Mother Daughter Spa Day' Together in Adorable Photo Her older brother, Cleaning Lady actor Oliver Hudson, couldn’t help but comment on her carefree post.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Further rate cuts in question With expectations of higher inflation and slower growth, the Federal Reserve is likely to continue its pause on interest rate cuts and shine a brighter spotlight on Friday's key monthly jobs data, some experts said.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both O’Mara and McMahon believe that Pickle has a bright future ahead.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans can enjoy a festive atmosphere and even create their ideal basketball court using cutting-edge AI technology.
    Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Gastronomy and mixology come together with live music in the afternoons to create a festive, atmospheric cocktail lounge.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blithe. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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