cheer

If you do this, you shout to show happiness or support for someone.

• The crowd began to cheer.
• We cheered when our team scored.
• Will you come and cheer us on?

How to use it: cheer for someone/something (We cheered for our school team.); cheer someone on (Her friends cheered her on during the race.)

Similar words: applaud

Opposites: boo

Common phrases: cheer for someone, cheer someone on, cheer loudly

If something does this to someone, it makes them feel happier.

• Your message cheered me.
• The sunny morning cheered everyone up.
• She was cheered by his kind words.

How to use it: cheer someone up (A visit from her sister cheered her up.); be cheered by something (We were cheered by the good news.)

Similar words: brighten, encourage

Opposites: sadden

Common phrases: cheer someone up, cheer the heart, cheer someone greatly

A loud shout that shows happiness or support for someone.

• A loud cheer filled the room.
• The team’s final goal brought cheers from the fans.
• Let’s give a cheer for our new captain.

How to use it: cheer for someone/something (A cheer for the winner rose from the crowd.)

Similar words: shout, hurrah

Opposites: boo

Common phrases: give a cheer, loud cheer, cheer for someone

A loud shout that shows happiness, support, or approval.

• We heard a loud cheer.
• Cheers greeted the winning team.
• She gave a cheer when her name was announced.

How to use it: a cheer for someone/something (A cheer for the winning team rose from the crowd.)

Similar words: shout

Opposites: boo

Common phrases: a loud cheer, give a cheer, cheer for someone

A happy, hopeful feeling or mood.

• Her visit brought me cheer.
• The room was full of laughter and good cheer.
• Bright decorations spread a little cheer during the dark winter.

Similar words: happiness, joy, good spirits

Opposites: sadness, gloom

Common phrases: good cheer, Christmas cheer, bring someone cheer

Food, drink, or entertainment provided to make people happy at a celebration.

• The table held plenty of good cheer.
• Guests enjoyed the Christmas cheer prepared by their hosts.
• There was good cheer enough for every visitor at the feast.

Similar words: refreshments, festive fare

Common phrases: good cheer, Christmas cheer, plenty of cheer