1
as in cheerfulness
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter
rather than mourn our friend's death we celebrated his life, and his memorial service was more notable for its festivity than its funereal gloom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in celebration
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something
year-long festivities will mark the 300th anniversary of the city's founding
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in merrymaking
joyful or festive activity
in keeping with their habit of doing everything in a big way, the couple's wedding will entail a whole weekend of festivity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 festivity
National Cherry Blossom festivities run through April 13.
—
Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The Warren festivities will all happen at the Uptown Theatre in Downtown Napa on Saturday, April 26, starting with a 6:30 pm PT screening of Bess Kargman’s new documentary about the 16-time Oscar nominee, Diane Warren: Relentless.
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
Since announcing her move, she’s been documenting her efforts to immerse herself in Ireland’s festivities, including at the national St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, which is attended by roughly 500,000 people, according to the Associated Press.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Eustis Mayor Willie Hawkins will open the festivities with the reading of a proclamation in front of the school, followed by historical tours, performances, games, food, music and art.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for festivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festivity
Noun
-
Mulligan was also happy to recount her affection for some of her other co-stars, ticking through them with glee.—
-
Chinese state media has reacted with glee as President Donald Trump dismantles Voice of America (VOA).—
Noun
-
Experience highlights from Day 2 of the festival through the lens of Miami Herald visual journalist Matias J. Ocner.—
-
Prior to heading to the center, however, the display will stop at several cherry blossom festivals, where attendees can add their own touch to the 10-foot wide and 7-foot tall model.—
Noun
-
Alternatively, the Perry Lane Hotel, as well as the brand-new, Ann Savannah, will put you in the heart of the merrymaking.—
-
In fact, ancient Romans celebrated the day with a fertility festival with animal sacrifices and drunken merrymaking.—
Noun
-
The Bruins enjoyed that sort of bonanza in their NCAA tournament opener Thursday night, withstanding an injury scare to Aday Mara to win so comfortably that walk-on Jack Seidler was able to dribble out the final seconds to cheers inside Rupp Arena.—
-
Composer David Yazbek and the real-life de Marcos are credited as a creative consultants Though the entire cast deserves its cheers, the final bow is given appropriately to the band itself, eager to share this isolated country’s music for yet another rediscovery.—
Noun
-
Their revelry begins in mid-April and culminates on May 17, with many continuing their festivities or recovering from the previous night’s celebrations.—
-
The intimate, candlelit dinner gave way to a night of revelry, champagne, and music.—
Noun
-
The holiday season is a magical time, full of merriment, light and tasty treats.—
-
Expect merriment, mirth and …*checks notes*… Fulham to be fifth by Christmas?—
Noun
-
Sign up Eating and drinking (Image credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises) The first thing to say about eating on The Ravel is that there is no Captain's Table or forced jollity with other passengers.—
-
While the jollity may look a bit different from city to city, these global destinations keep the holiday cheer going year after year.—
Noun
-
His formidable rich voice voice always carried the gaiety of a comic opera basso.—
-
Françoise wanders away from us, from the room, into her own thoughts, solemn yet full of gaiety.—
Cite this Entry
“Festivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festivity. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share