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For
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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 For now, Isak is happy, a new contract is more than possible and nobody within Newcastle is worried about losing him. Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Liverpool would be more than happy to pay them, given that would mean their successful start to life under Slot would have continued. Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Gourmands will be happy, too: The kitchen is not only kitted out with a Wolf range and a Sub-Zero fridge, but also showcases custom millwork and stone counters throughout. Up a winding staircase, the primary suite is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the bedroom with natural light. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 June 2025 And their artists are more than happy to create these covers. Clarissa Brooks, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for happy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy
Adjective
  • The decision to establish this program at the middle school stemmed from a fortunate combination of timing and opportunity.
    Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
  • Thousands of other vets who are still behind on their loans haven't been so fortunate.
    Quil Lawrence, NPR, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Magic officials are also delighted to add Bane, who brings a toughness similar to what Banchero, Wagner and Suggs already offer.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • But financial analysts on company earnings calls have been delighted.
    Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • And this is only a glimpse at the markdowns to behold; keeping our shopping bug satisfied until the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially starts.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 June 2025
  • Look for options that are low in carbs, high in fiber, and provide protein or healthy fats to avoid spikes and keep you satisfied.
    Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Alcaraz wore his lucky black and white top from the French Open in temperatures that challenged the Balearic Islands for blistering heat if not beaches.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The lucky player hit the jackpot, winning a whopping $1,501,742 in the drawing Friday, June 13, the Georgia Lottery’s website said.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Housing advocates have cautioned that federal land is not universally suitable for affordable housing.
    Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The darkly comedic play by Julia Randall follows Ella as the titular character, a wealthy young woman who becomes obsessed with the online attention her late classmate receives after her sudden death.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 19 June 2025
  • But once upon a time, before teams became obsessed with projections and modeling, the most effective way to evaluate a trade was by asking the question: Who got the best player in the deal?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • While 100 grams of protein might seem excessive, this amount is appropriate for many people.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 June 2025
  • Localization testing helps ensure appropriate usage of region-specific currencies and symbols; attain correct display of textual content within buttons, menus or other UI elements; review adherence to local gambling regulations, such as betting limits, taxation, operational hours and more.
    Dzmitry Lubneuski, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why, when federal immigration agents rolled into the berry fields of Oxnard last week and detained 40 farmworkers, growers up and down the state grew worried along with their workers.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • This is perhaps the most important reason everyone should be so worried about the Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill.
    Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on happy

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