Jovialize

v. joyful, kind literary

What it means

To make someone or something more cheerful and convivial.

Reach for it when using a rare playful verb for creating sociable good humor

A familiar chorus jovialized the gathering after the formal speeches.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
playful
everyday
professional
formal
literary
  • playful

    make merry

    Fits when communal celebration is the direct action

    Careful Make merry suggests active revelry and may be too exuberant for gentle conversation.

  • everyday

    cheer up

    Fits when a person's low mood is directly lifted

    Careful Cheer up can sound like an order that dismisses legitimate sadness.

  • everyday

    warm up

    Fits when a reserved group gradually becomes more responsive

    Careful Warm up can describe temperature, exercise, or preparation.

  • professional

    animate

    Fits when visible life and movement enter a setting

    Careful Animate is emotionally neutral and can refer to literal motion.

  • formal

    enliven

    Fits when energy and interest are added to an occasion

    Careful Enliven may produce excitement without friendliness.

  • literary

    gladden

    Fits when the change creates sincere happiness

    Careful Gladden lacks jovialize's emphasis on sociable conviviality.

Opposites 3

  • sadden
  • chill
  • dampen

Common phrases 3

  • jovialize the company

    A round of introductions helped jovialize the company.

  • jovialize the evening

    The pianist jovialized the evening with familiar requests.

  • jovialize the room

    Fresh flowers and shared photographs jovialized the room.

Usage notes

Keep in mind

Jovialize is very rare; enliven or cheer will usually communicate faster.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated