Overjoyed
adj.joyful, hopefulwarm
What it means
Filled with happiness so strong that it is difficult to contain.
Reach for it when describing an intense joyful reaction to welcome news or reunion
The grandparents were overjoyed when the missing terrier bounded through the gate.
Choose between these
8- playful
when amused pleasure suits a light informal note
not when It is far too mild for a life-changing reunion or recovery.
- everyday
when excitement is as important as happiness
not when Thrilled can describe anticipation, while overjoyed usually answers good news.
- warm
when strong pleasure should sound graceful and controlled
not when It may be too restrained for joy that visibly overwhelms someone.
- professional
when an unusually elevated emotional state is literally intended
not when It can suggest a temporary or medically relevant state rather than simple joy.
- formal
when the emotion reaches an almost rapturous peak
not when The intensity can sound theatrical for quiet but profound happiness.
- formal
when happiness is public, triumphant, and celebratory
not when Choose another word for private joy with no victory involved.
- literary
when success or relief creates a lifted feeling
not when It sounds more formal and less affectionate in a personal message.
- literary
when happiness is visible in someone's expression
not when Radiant describes appearance and may not capture the full inner intensity.
Said against
3- heartbroken
- miserable
- disappointed
It naturally appears in
3- absolutely overjoyed
We were absolutely overjoyed to hear that the surgery had gone well.
- overjoyed at the news
Kai was overjoyed at the news that his sister could visit.
- overjoyed to see
The children were overjoyed to see their drawings hanging in the gallery.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective sense: filled with great joy opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.