Gleeful

Full of lively, openly expressed delight.

Reach for it when describing exuberant amusement while checking that nobody else's loss is the source

A gleeful group of children raced toward the reopened fountain.

• playful

  tickled

  informal amusement at a charming detail is the point

  not when Tickled is quieter and can sound dated outside casual speech.

• everyday

  joyful

  deep positive feeling matters more than playful expression

  not when Joyful can be solemn or tender, while gleeful is visibly animated.

• warm

  cheerful

  steady good spirits define a person's manner

  not when Cheerful is milder and does not convey a burst of delight.

• warm

  delighted

  a specific welcome event produces strong pleasure

  not when Delighted is more composed and lacks gleeful's lively, almost childlike energy.

• professional

  triumphant

  success and pride are more important than amusement

  not when Triumphant can make another person's defeat central and may feel boastful.

• formal

  jubilant

  victory or long-awaited success prompts public rejoicing

  not when Jubilant is too grand for playful amusement at a small surprise.

• literary

  merry

  social laughter and festivity suit a traditional tone

  not when Merry sounds seasonal or old-fashioned in many modern contexts.

• gloomy
• miserable
• crestfallen

• gleeful smile

  A gleeful smile appeared when the model bridge held its load.

• gleeful children

  Gleeful children followed the brass band into the square.

• gleeful anticipation

  Gleeful anticipation spread as the curtain began to rise.

• Gleefully adv.
• Gleefulness n.

Gleeful can imply satisfaction at another person's embarrassment or defeat. Context determines whether it remains positive.