happy

adjective

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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

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

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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 The president was not happy, attacking the ad that very evening. — Steven Levy, Wired, "Why Facebook Censored an Anti-Trump Ad," 15 May 2020 Some people are happy to make their own hummingbird food (nectar), while others prefer to purchase nectar, whether in liquid or powdered form. — The Editors, Field & Stream, "Three Things To Know Before You Buy Hummingbird Feed (Nectar)," 12 May 2020 Here are four of the best keypad locks that will keep you safe and happy. — Popular Science, "Four keypad locks that provide reliable entry security," 12 May 2020 The idea was also necessitated by the Hindus’ need to abide by astrological deadlines for weddings and other happy events. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, "Priest on Zoom, borrowed clothes, makeup tutorials: An Indian Covid-19 wedding," 6 May 2020 Hop on a bike and explore the island, or be happy just to laze by the pool for a week. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best New Hotels in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central & South America: 2020 Hot List," 5 May 2020 Dale Rimkus, a retail manager who lives nearby in the Chicago suburbs, was more than happy to oblige. — Julie Jargon, WSJ, "It’s Grandparents to the Rescue for Stressed Working-From-Home Parents," 5 May 2020 The American System and its progeny were the happy result. — Wells King, National Review, "Recovering the American Tradition of Economic Policy," 5 May 2020 Everybody would be happy because people like these programs once they're actually rolled out. — The Atlantic, "Listen: How Much Does It Cost to Get COVID-19?," 28 Apr. 2020

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.