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

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 Aware that the locals are gossiping, Mrs. Frola assures them that Mr. Ponza is a wonderful man but morbidly possessive of his wife, who is happy with the situation. — Tim Parks, The New York Review of Books, "Characters in Search of a Conflict," 23 Feb. 2021 One thing is for sure though, Alvarez isn't happy with his cousin Bishop (Michael Irby), who is the president of the Mayans M.C., in the trailer. — Rosy Cordero, EW.com, "Everything to remember from Mayans M.C. before its season 3 premiere," 22 Feb. 2021 Through all of the changes, Padilla-Villegas said her youngest daughter has stayed happy and smiling. — Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News, "'Just doing my job' - Houston driver braves icy roads to deliver vital medicine to San Antonio toddler," 19 Feb. 2021 Foster has long kept her private life private, happy to let other celebrities linger in the public eye, every part of them on display. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, "Every Jodie Foster Movie Performance, Ranked," 19 Feb. 2021 But Pitman is happy with a potential starting lineup of Taurasi, Diggins-Smith, Nurse, Turner and Griner backed by Hartley, Vaughn and four others. — Jeff Metcalfe, The Arizona Republic, "Phoenix Mercury remain in 'win now mode' post free agency," 19 Feb. 2021 These natural products will kick grime to the curb and keep your wallet happy. — Lauren Smith Mcdonough, Good Housekeeping, "8 Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work, According to Our Cleaning Expert," 18 Feb. 2021 Being in a room with a bunch of people who are happy and escaping for a minute is, like, the dream. — New York Times, "“Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,”," 10 Feb. 2021 Kate comes from a loving and happy home, lives with both parents and her older brother. — Rachel Paige, refinery29.com, "R29 Recaps: Every Episode From Firefly Lane Season 1," 8 Feb. 2021

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.