Strong, positive emotions:
* Ecstatic: Overwhelmed with joy and excitement.
* Blissful: Feeling intense happiness and contentment.
* Rapturous: Filled with intense joy and delight.
* Elated: Feeling great happiness and excitement.
* Jubilant: Expressing great joy and triumph.
* Thrilled: Feeling intense excitement and pleasure.
* Enraptured: Completely captivated by something beautiful or exciting.
More moderate, pleasant emotions:
* Happy: Feeling contentment and satisfaction.
* Cheerful: Having a bright and positive outlook.
* Merry: Feeling lighthearted and carefree.
* Delighted: Feeling great pleasure and satisfaction.
* Glad: Feeling happy and content.
* Pleased: Feeling satisfied and content.
* Content: Feeling happy and satisfied with one's situation.
More specific emotions related to joy:
* Exuberant: Full of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.
* Grateful: Feeling thankful and appreciative.
* Hopeful: Feeling optimistic and positive about the future.
* Inspired: Feeling motivated and excited to create or achieve something.
* Relieved: Feeling a sense of freedom from worry or stress.
* Fulfilled: Feeling satisfied and complete.
Other words that can convey a sense of joy:
* Lighthearted
* Spirited
* Lively
* Radiant
* Beaming
* Smiling
* Effervescent
* Vivacious
The best synonym for "joyful" will depend on the specific context and the desired nuance.