as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor we arrived at the Christmas party to find everyone already in a festive mood, perhaps owing in part to the punch

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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 festive Cars lined the cul-de-sac to enjoy the festive glow of a neighborhood united together for the purpose of spreading holiday cheer. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 They will all be dressed in festive outfits and ready to pose for photos under a pavilion decorated with peach blossoms, bamboo, golden flowers, and banners adorned with holiday wishes. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 24 Jan. 2025 Classical Lunar New Year officially fell on Jan. 29, and the New York Philharmonic rings in the Year of the Snake in its usual festive manner, with a vibrant gala and a concert. The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025 This luxuriously soft blanket features the FOX News logo and is available in a festive pink shade with hearts – perfect for the season of love. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for festive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
  • Now Quentin and his merry band of murderous gays are dead by her hand, presumably leaving Greg to enjoy an undivided inheritance of $500 million.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In the Hollywood version, Julie Andrews plays the adorable Maria opposite Christopher Plummer’s dashing captain, leading their merry band of children out of Austria on the cusp of the Second World War.
    Vogue, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.
    Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024
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

Thesaurus Entries Near festive

Cite this Entry

“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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