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Synonym Chooser

How is the word happy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of happy are fortunate, lucky, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

Where would fortunate be a reasonable alternative to happy?

In some situations, the words fortunate and happy are roughly equivalent. However, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

When might lucky be a better fit than happy?

The meanings of lucky and happy largely overlap; however, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

When could providential be used to replace happy?

While in some cases nearly identical to happy, providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of happy Fall flavor-die hards will be happy to learn that this drink, first created in 2017, is available all year. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025 Instead, Piccioni is creating happier ones with his family and peers. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025 Still, others have been happy to pay the cost of revitalizing these vehicles for the 21st century, which can set you back anywhere from $600,000 to well over $1 million. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025 Memphis is deeply troubled, and the mayor is happy. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for happy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy
Adjective
  • The day after his rescue, Fish and Wildlife returned the raccoon back to a delighted Combs.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The depth and detail in these new audio editions is unparalleled — listeners are going to be delighted.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her rationale is that because she’s borrowed over $20,000 to pay for her wedding, her more financially fortunate guests should help those struggling in the areas of gifts, transportation, hotel costs, childcare, elder care, etc.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • After a lackluster showing on both sides of the ball Sunday against the Raiders, the model has lost a little faith in the Patriots' ability to take advantage of a fortunate schedule.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The furniture, objects, and art left me feeling culturally satisfied and inspired to finally finish furnishing my apartment.
    Libby Page, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Yes, there’s the business case that satisfied workers perform better.
    Janine MacLachlan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The lucky California ticket was sold at Cash N Dash Financial Services in Gardena, which is about a 15-mile drive south from downtown Los Angeles.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Did anyone win Powerball last night, September 13, 2025?
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists revealed that the 1200-volt, 400-amp power module is suitable for use in power grids and even heavy-duty vehicles such as next-generation aircraft and military vehicles.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Nonfunctional Gadgets and Tech Outdated gadgets are rarely suitable for donation.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • We’re all obsessed with the Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Shooters who target children in these attacks tend to be young, isolated, depressed and angry individuals who become obsessed with previous slayings that have generated extensive news coverage.
    Ernesto Londoño, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Series creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has made numerous changes to the source material, very few of which pleased fans or made much sense.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The wedding guests appeared more than pleased to have puppies around, and everyone got cuddles.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This sweater tank top is appropriate for fall’s crisp weather yet ideal for a warmer day spent outside.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Mop-up and patrol will continue where appropriate to secure and strengthen containment.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on happy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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