Mirthful

adj. joyful, energetic literary

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.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
playful
everyday
warm
literary
  • Mirthful (this word)
  • playful

    gleeful

    Fits when delight is energetic and slightly mischievous

    Careful Gleeful can imply pleasure in someone else's difficulty.

  • playful

    jolly

    Suits friendly, robust cheer in an informal or traditional tone

    Careful Jolly can sound seasonal, dated, or patronizing.

  • everyday

    amused

    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

    laughing

    Fits when laughter is literally visible or audible

    Careful Laughing describes an action and does not establish a lasting mood.

  • warm

    jovial

    Suits hearty, sociable good humor

    Careful Jovial often describes a person's habitual manner and can sound old-fashioned.

  • warm

    lighthearted

    Fits when freedom from seriousness is the main quality

    Careful Lighthearted can be calm and laughter-free.

  • warm

    merry

    Fits when cheerful sociability and lively enjoyment are central

    Careful Merry includes celebration without requiring laughter.

Opposites 3

  • mournful
  • gloomy
  • somber

Common phrases 3

  • 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