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

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 gambit may work, but investors for the moment are not happy. — Paul R. La Monica, CNN, "GateHouse's bid for Gannett could be in trouble," 9 Aug. 2019 By trying to make everybody happy, the company is achieving the opposite effect. — Dieter Bohn, The Verge, "Android Q’s back gesture controversy, explained," 8 Aug. 2019 These sites satisfy shareholders not by making users healthy or happy but by keeping them online. — Jamil Zaki, Scientific American, "The Technology of Kindness," 6 Aug. 2019 View this post on Instagram Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex today! — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Receives Birthday Wishes from the Entire Royal Family," 4 Aug. 2019 Investors, not happy about the prospect of holiday-season shoppers paying more for presents, responded by dumping shares of retailers most likely to feel the sting. — Oliver Staley, Quartz, "Trump announces a new 10% tariff on billions of dollars worth of Chinese imports," 1 Aug. 2019 Nazz Sldryan was one of the girls sent home, and fans were not happy. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "'SYTYCD' Fans Think Nazz Sldryan Was "Robbed" by the Judges in the Top 10 Girls Round," 30 July 2019 Fortunately, veterinarians are available to discuss options to keep everyone in the household comfortable and happy. — Ilana Halperin, The Conversation, "Curious Kids: How are cats declawed, and is it painful?," 30 July 2019 Chinese authorities were not happy and canceled the remainder of the U.S. tour. — Daily Pilot, "From haute couture to Terracotta warriors, Anne Shih knows what gets visitors to the Bowers Museum," 29 July 2019

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.