happy

adjective

hap·py | \ ˈha-pē

happier; happiest

Definition of happy

1 : favored by luck or fortune : fortunate a happy coincidence

2 : notably fitting, effective, or well adapted : felicitous a happy choice

3a : enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment is the happiest person I know a happy childhood

b : expressing, reflecting, or suggestive of happiness a happy ending

c : glad, pleased I'm happy to meet you

d : having or marked by an atmosphere of good fellowship : friendly a happy office

4a : characterized by a dazed irresponsible state a punch-happy boxer

b : impulsively or obsessively quick to use or do something trigger-happy

c : enthusiastic about something to the point of obsession : obsessed education-conscious and statistic-happy —Helen Rowen

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about happy

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for happy

lucky, fortunate, happy, providential mean meeting with unforeseen success. lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result. won because of a lucky bounce fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts. fortunate in my investments happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed. a series of happy accidents providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power. a providential change in the weather

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action. fit for battle suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands. clothes suitable for camping meet suggests a just proportioning. meet payment proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom. proper acknowledgement appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness. an appropriate gift fitting implies harmony of mood or tone. a fitting end apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination. apt quotations happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate. a happy choice of words felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful. a felicitous phrase

Examples of happy in a Sentence

She was a very happy child. You don't look happy. What's the problem? We're all one big, happy family here. I'd do anything to make her happy. I could hear the children's happy laughter in the other room. She had a very happy childhood. They've had a very happy marriage. I was glad the movie had a happy ending. We are so happy that you were able to come to the party. They are not at all happy about the rise in taxes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Keeping himself trim and fit turned into a healthy and happy lifestyle. — Johnny Gorches, Post-Tribune, "'I'm so lucky and blessed': Portage's Buster Battreall gives up basketball, becomes nationally known with Ford Models," 14 July 2018 Understandably, people have been happy to pay money in exchange for doing it for centuries, and there is no sign of any waning in the appreciation of a bit of eustress. — Richard Stephens, Smithsonian, "The History and Psychology of Roller Coasters," 12 July 2018 London’s finance industry is already losing business and jobs to other European financial centers, which are only too happy to take them. — Jonah Shepp, Daily Intelligencer, "The Brexit Crisis Finally Engulfs the Party That Started It," 11 July 2018 Fox just submitted a new, higher offer, and Comcast is expected to top it, making Sky shareholders very happy. — Claire Atkinson, NBC News, "Kylie Jenner on track to be youngest self-made billionaire," 11 July 2018 This is supposed to be a nice moment, and Olivia Wilde cries happy tears and the music swells but what the actual what?! — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Speaking of ‘Life Itself,’ Here Are 5 Bad Movies With Great Casts," 10 July 2018 And, on a personal note, a very happy 10th wedding anniversary to my husband, Matt. — Mary Schneidau Sullivan, Laurel Leader, "Keeping local news important [Old Town," 6 July 2018 Meghan Markle is enjoying her life as a newlywed, and Priyanka Chopra couldn’t be happier for her pal. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Meghan Markle Is 'Doing Amazing' in New Chapter with Prince Harry, Says Pal Priyanka Chopra," 13 July 2018 Where his predecessors leapt into the spotlight that comes with leading one of America’s largest school districts, Wilcox was happier listening quietly than making speeches before cameras. — Ann Doss Helms, charlotteobserver, "Quiet agitator at CMS prepares to rattle some cages in his second year," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.