1
2
3
4
5
6

Try This Instead

For
Try This
a happy ending
a pleasant ending
a positive ending
a cheerful ending
a hopeful ending
a joyful ending
a happy birthday
a joyous birthday
a merry birthday
a joyful birthday
a great birthday
a special birthday
a happy marriage
a good marriage
a successful marriage
a great marriage
a wonderful marriage
a joyous marriage
happy memories
special memories
positive memories
pleasing memories
pleasant memories
cheerful memories
a happy face
a cheerful face
an elated face
a pleased face
a delighted face
an ecstatic face

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 This leaves Conrad to gaze at the happy couple from an upstairs window with his vampire eyes, and once again reflect on how this is all his dead mother’s fault. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025 Lower is more forthcoming about her childhood, which by her account sounds both happy and feral. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 But whereas Puente was happy to digest the new styles and play them with authority, Palmieri tended to both assimilate and subvert them. Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025 For his part, Aaron was happy that wasn’t an option. Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for happy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy
Adjective
  • By building ethical, explainable and collaborative AI systems, agencies can keep clients delighted and employees empowered.
    Joel Frenette, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The machine was actually suggested to him by his primary care physician, both of whom are delighted with its smart design and solid construction.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Boone’s squad is still fortunate enough to be in playoff position, as the Yankees are in possession of the third and final Wild Card spot.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Hank seems to be in fine physical health outside of the standard aches and pains and narrow urethra, but Bobby has reached that stage of young adulthood when those fortunate enough to still have their parents start to confront the reality that that won’t always be the case.
    Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That means every state budget could be held hostage until the whims of a small fraction of legislators is satisfied.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2025
  • While there have been many satisfied customers, a few have taken to social media to complain that their pizza didn't meet their expectations.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, over at Castle Leathers, Julia’s playing 4-D chess with a man who’d be lucky to win a game of Tiddlywinks.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Moon is in your sign dancing with fair Venus and lucky, moneybags Jupiter.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Project Neighbors Executive Director Carmen Vincent said the homes would be suitable for nurses, teachers, grocery store clerks, senior citizens and others who need affordable homes.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Best Wood Chair These teak wood chairs from Amazon are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, wherever the party takes you.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But recently, people without diabetes have become obsessed with managing their blood sugar.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 7 Aug. 2025
  • And like Katherine in the film, she’s just become so driven and so obsessed.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Lucio — leggy, brave, sturdy in the challenge — is probably more appropriate as a reference point.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The player models and lighting are excellent, with equipment shining and time of day delivering the appropriate immersion.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, however, didn’t necessarily appear worried when asked what joint practices taught him about his cornerbacks.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Many were worried about stripping precipitation out of a cloud and robbing people downstream of rain.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on happy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!