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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Recent Examples of festive
While this festive treat is not new, the packaging has been updated with detailed heart designs.
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Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Shilpa and Jesse talk about this festive winter bake, plus chat with award-winning author Nicola Lamb.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026
Around the holidays, this activity can be especially fun—and can involve making festive cookies, a gingerbread house or other holiday treats that can be used to engage little ones.
—Mia Taylor, Parents, 7 Jan. 2026
Allocate several large storage containers to hold your festive goodies.
—Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for festive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festive
Adjective
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Besides its prominent cloud belts, Jupiter's greatest telescopic treasure are its four Galilean moons that run a merry race with each other around the planet, changing their respective positions from hour to hour and night to night.—
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The residents were excited to see both, but the real dog hopped down and went on its merry way, while Jennie stuck around to be snuggled.—
Adjective
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Ezra Shaw / Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers held a Christmas Eve practice Wednesday without their jolliest player.—
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Wolff checks his list twice, and then heads off on his jolly mission, delivering gifts, goodness, and a reminder that the need is growing.—
Adjective
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Sweater nails feel cozy and cheerful in the winter, especially in a shocking shade of scarlet.—
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Citrus Wreaths Create cheerful wreaths that lean on in-season oranges and lemons for pops of color.—
Cite this Entry
“Festive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festive. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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