merriment vs recreation

merriment and recreation both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
merriment	Yes	No	No	No
recreation	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, recreation is a hypernym of merriment; that is, recreation is a word with a broader meaning than merriment:

Other hypernyms of merriment include diversion.

merriment (noun)	recreation (noun)
activities that are enjoyable or amusing	an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
a gay feeling	activity that refreshes and recreates; activity that renews your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation