Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He might be likened to that friend of Samuel Johnson’s who apologized that he had never quite managed to become a philosopher: “I don’t know how, cheerfulness was always breaking in.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Despite this catalog of current and easily predictable future horrors, America keeps up a façade of normality: the manic cheerfulness of TV newscasters, the moronic sitcoms, the contrived crime dramas.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2025

His persistent cheerfulness was itself an act of resistance, a refusal to be broken.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2024

Ms. Cruz-Rivas, who takes pride in her lack of self-pity, faced the ordeal with odd cheerfulness.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2023

Again came the sounds of cheerfulness and better heart.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding