happy

adjective

ˈha-pē How to pronounce happy (audio)
Definition of happynext
1
as in delighted
experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight made bread for the first time and was happy with the tasty result

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lucky
coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly a happy discovery, finding the letter that would prove her innocence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in satisfied
feeling that one's needs or desires have been met has been much happier ever since she moved

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fortunate
having good luck the happy person who is both appreciated and rewarded for all his hard work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in suitable
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation the wine was a happy complement to such a fine meal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in obsessed
having extreme or relentless concern poll-happy pundits just care about which political candidate is winning, and never about the issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word happy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of happy are fortunate, lucky, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

Where would fortunate be a reasonable alternative to happy?

In some situations, the words fortunate and happy are roughly equivalent. However, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

When might lucky be a better fit than happy?

The meanings of lucky and happy largely overlap; however, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

When could providential be used to replace happy?

While in some cases nearly identical to happy, providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of happy But as series two draws to a close, who will get their happy ending? — Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026 Srinivasan said Americans are happy to tip at restaurants, hair salons and other traditional venues, but tipping outside of that? — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026 The initial flood of content from the Wasian meetup exists in this bubble of happy naïveté. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 The happy news comes after the singer celebrated her tenth wedding anniversary with Wilson in July. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy
  1. delighted
  2. lucky
  3. satisfied
  4. fortunate
  5. suitable
  6. obsessed
  7. pleased
  8. appropriate
Adjective
  • The Athletic reported at the time that the Brazilian wanted to stay and that, according to people close to Mourinho, the coach was delighted with his efforts in training.
    — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Bangel fans will be delighted to know both Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz are presenting as well.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of delighted
Adjective
  • The latter player entered the main draw as a lucky loser and so nearly made it to the last eight standing.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The lucky few are notified and sent a full itinerary prior to departure.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of lucky
Adjective
  • Yet the demands of being F1’s most famous and successful team mean expectations, both internally and externally, will only be satisfied when the championship drought, dating back to 2008, finally ends.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, the number of OEMs that reported being satisfied with their reshoring results dropped precipitously in 2026 to 65 percent, down from 96 percent in 2025.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of satisfied
Adjective
  • While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Just like the Tour was fortunate to avoid the enormous wildfire on the outskirts of Bordeaux by two weeks in July, the Vuelta had narrowly escaped being affected.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortunate
Adjective
  • My friend Paul Davis, the great artist and illustrator, even did an impressive painting of a rat, yet neither of us could convince our editors that this urban reality was a suitable topic for an upscale city magazine.
    — Gloria Steinem, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • City had intended to replace every outgoing, but in the end felt that Nico O’Reilly would be a suitable option in midfield in place of Gonzalez, as they are well stocked at left-back with Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • The victim’s mother, 60-year-old Adra Pegues, said the killer recently went on a first date with her daughter and then became obsessed with Davis, who wasn’t interested in a second date.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But while ripoffs and dodgy reboots are common in horror, some of the weirdest unauthorized sequels are the result of an obsessed fan self-financing a tribute to their favorite movie.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of obsessed
Adjective
  • For now, the Pats are pleased to have locked up one of their most talented players, which should help further position them to take advantage of this Super Bowl window.
    — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York, was pleased with the screen-time limits, but says the moratorium doesn't last long enough.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of pleased
Adjective
  • Casual straw boater hats were only appropriate during summer months—specifically from May 15 (Straw Hat Day) to September 15 (Felt Hat Day).
    — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 4, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Parton also made an effort to contribute to causes such as child literacy with her Imagination Library program, which mails a free age-appropriate book to children every month from birth to fifth grade.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of appropriate

Browse Nearby Words

happing
happy
happy camper
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Cite this Entry

“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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