Merrily
What it means
In a cheerful, lively, and carefree manner.
Reach for it when describing visible lighthearted enjoyment in song, movement, talk, or activity
The children sang merrily as they carried the paper lanterns home.
Words to choose between 8
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
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| literary |
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playful
Fits when excited delight has a mischievous edge
Careful Gleefully can sound cruel if someone benefits from another's difficulty.
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everyday
brightly
Fits when voice, expression, or manner feels lively and positive
Careful Brightly may describe light or forced cheer and does not imply enjoyment.
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warm
Fits when a positive, willing manner matters most
Careful Cheerfully can be quiet and dutiful rather than lively.
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warm
Fits when deep or open happiness drives the action
Careful Joyfully can fit solemn gratitude, while merrily is lighter.
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warm
Fits when freedom from seriousness shapes the manner
Careful Lightheartedness can be inappropriate around grief or high stakes.
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literary
blithely
Fits when carefree ease is central
Careful Blithely often criticizes careless disregard of consequences.
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literary
Fits when older prose intends brightly carefree movement or color
Careful Gaily is dated in this sense and gay now most often concerns identity.
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literary
with good cheer
Fits when traditional warmth suits the context
Careful The phrase sounds old-fashioned and is awkward in professional prose.
Opposites 3
- gloomily
- sadly
- sullenly
Common phrases 3
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sing merrily
Neighbors began to sing merrily before the musicians arrived.
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laugh merrily
The cousins laughed merrily at the familiar ending.
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went merrily
Preparations went merrily until the rain reached the open tables.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Wodencafe, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated