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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 Guests including Emma Chamberlain, rarely seen without eyewear, were happy to play along with the theme. Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025 Baskets Krysten Ledet, the founder of Krysten Ledet Interiors in Lafayette, Louisiana, is always happy to stock up on storage baskets while at Michaels. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025 So don’t wait for something to happen in order to feel happy now. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said Republicans are happy to discuss the health care issue with Democrats — but not as part of talks to keep the government open. Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for happy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy
Adjective
  • Vance is delighted to hear Carr is in critical condition.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The fluffy chocolate treats were first introduced in 1961 and delighted fans until 2012, when Hostess filed for bankruptcy and abruptly discontinued them.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Those providing the information — the content — weren’t nearly as fortunate.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 26 Sep. 2025
  • None of Blowing Rock’s infrastructure was destroyed in the storm, calling itself extremely fortunate.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Increase Protein Protein is satiating, providing a satisfied feeling of fullness that can decrease your appetite.
    Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-25 in Week 4, but not everyone seemed satisfied after the game.
    Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Did anyone win Powerball last night, September 27, 2025?
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Brooks Lodge, on the other hand, uses a lottery system, and each lucky winner has the opportunity to book one of the cabins, which come outfitted with two sets of bunk beds.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Typical seats were replaced with moveable chairs and desks that were suitable but also atypical to Major League setups.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the irony is that the fictional worlds I was most obsessed with had no place for me either.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
  • In Mysterious Skin, 1980s Kansas teenager Neil (Gordon-Levitt) becomes a hustler, and Brian (Brady Corbet) becomes obsessed with UFOs, years after playing on the same little league team and experiencing a mutual childhood trauma, during which Brian is convinced they were abducted by aliens.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Members of the Advocate Group — former IHOPKC leaders who supported those who came forward with allegations and pushed for an outside investigation — were pleased with the new report.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
  • While Hale may not have been too pleased with Shelly's antics, internet users can’t get enough of her genius efforts.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For indoor storage, guns should be kept unloaded and locked in appropriate safes or lockboxes for handguns, with ammunition in a separate safe, the AAP recommends.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Harsh chemicals like bleach will damage or harden rubber, so choose the appropriate cleaner based on the material your seal is made from.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on happy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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