What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
merry
Example
The party was filled with merry laughter and music. [merry: adjective]
Example
He was feeling quite merry after a few glasses of wine. [merry: adjective]
joyful
Example
The birth of their child brought them great joyful tears. [joyful: adjective]
Example
The concert was a joyful experience for everyone in attendance. [joyful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Joyful is more commonly used than merry in everyday language, especially in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between merry and joyful?
Both merry and joyful are informal words, but joyful can be used in more formal contexts due to its stronger and more serious connotation.
