Mirthful
What it means
Full of laughter, amusement, and lively good humor.
Reach for it when describing a person, expression, or account whose joy is visibly amused
Her mirthful retelling made the missed train sound like an adventure.
Full of laughter, amusement, and lively good humor.
Reach for it when describing a person, expression, or account whose joy is visibly amused
Her mirthful retelling made the missed train sound like an adventure.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when delight is energetic and slightly mischievous
Careful Gleeful can imply pleasure in someone else's difficulty.
playful
Suits friendly, robust cheer in an informal or traditional tone
Careful Jolly can sound seasonal, dated, or patronizing.
everyday
Fits when something has prompted quiet or visible entertainment
Careful Amused is weaker and does not imply abundant mirth.
everyday
cheery
Fits when bright friendliness matters
Careful Cheery is gentler and may sound childish in formal praise.
everyday
Fits when laughter is literally visible or audible
Careful Laughing describes an action and does not establish a lasting mood.
warm
Suits hearty, sociable good humor
Careful Jovial often describes a person's habitual manner and can sound old-fashioned.
warm
Fits when freedom from seriousness is the main quality
Careful Lighthearted can be calm and laughter-free.
warm
Fits when cheerful sociability and lively enjoyment are central
Careful Merry includes celebration without requiring laughter.
mirthful laugh
A mirthful laugh escaped before he finished the serious introduction.
mirthful mood
The musicians kept a mirthful mood through the long rehearsal.
mirthful account
Her mirthful account preserved the day without mocking anyone.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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