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

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

To keep those investors happy, Square Capital also has to charge higher interest rates than banks, which are funded by low-cost deposits. — Peter Rudegeair, WSJ, "A $150,000 Small Business Loan—From an App," 28 Dec. 2018 In the happy glow of the victory Sunday night, Carroll basically laughed off a question about the health of kicker Sebastian Janikowski, who fell hard to the turf when he was roughed on a field-goal attempt in the second quarter. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Seahawks ‘are working’ to keep Frank Clark, and more takeaways from Pete Carroll," 24 Dec. 2018 Historically, however, no one seems quite happy with where the line is drawn between the two. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Do we need another stripped-down version of Windows? Microsoft apparently thinks so," 3 Dec. 2018 The best way to ensure that both kids and parents are happy exploring a new place is to find activities that accommodate everyone in the family, from baby to grandpa. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The best things to do with kids in 13 U.S. cities," 20 Nov. 2018 The difficulties continue after Eddie and her new partner Maya (Yasha Thompson) decide not to step-in during a conflict at a corner store, and Jamie is not happy with their lack of response. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "Next Week's 'Blue Bloods' Episode Reveals That Frank Reagan Is Battling a Serious Lawsuit," 26 Oct. 2018 To keep her electorate happy, Ms. Nandy has to help deliver Brexit in some form. — Max Colchester, WSJ, "Now the Hard Part: Getting the Brexit Deal Through Parliament," 19 Nov. 2018 Family AdventuresMerrill is a pro at keeping families with older children happy, running guided hikes on the Camino de Santiago, surfing expeditions to Peru, or polo-playing adventures in Argentina. — Paul Brady, Condé Nast Traveler, "2018 Top Travel Specialists We Trust," 19 Oct. 2018 For the most part, the NCIS-obsessed are just happy that their favorite crime drama is back. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "'NCIS' Returns for Its First Episode Since Pauley Perrette's Exit and Fans Have a Lot of Feelings," 26 Sep. 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.