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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 Raleigh was not happy such a high percentage of funding was going to go to light rail. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 Teyana Taylor is one happy Swiftie. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025 Ahead of the 2025 season, there were plenty of reports that Jennings was not happy with his current contract. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 My heart is so incredibly happy. Jamie Ballard, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for happy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy
Adjective
  • Since launching her eponymous label in 2017, Mardahl has scooped up a global fan base delighted to sprinkle their homes with wavy dishes and sculptural cups, each fashioned in its own unique, sometimes unpredictable shape.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In Horizons, the tricksy character is introduced like many of the anime's ghosties before it, causing mayhem aboard the Brave Olivine for an eventually delighted Liko and Roy in episode 30.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The photographers in the red and white jackets run for cover, but the individual in the orange jacket is not so fortunate.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The Penguins were pretty fortunate to head to the locker room even at 2 after playing a fairly uninspiring first two periods.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • High-protein desserts can be a great way to indulge your sweet tooth, promote satiety (feeling satisfied after eating), balance blood sugar, and support muscle repair.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In the process, the team reviewed multiple samples, fine-tuning the bottle, the box, and overall packaging of Roué until all parties were satisfied.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • No surviving on lucky bounces and better health.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Even luckier, a well-rounded preppy wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The assessment by PlanIT Geo also found that only 29% of Pittsburg’s land is suitable for new tree planting, due to impervious surfaces.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Dill quickly found three more suitable classrooms at La Costa Canyon High School for the ATP students.
    Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Then again, why not celebrate Christmas in a country that’s so festive-obsessed, decorations are usually in place in most homes by early fall?
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Music fans remain obsessed with how the site rates their favorites, and artists have Pitchfork on their mind too.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, Howard was pleased with the outcome (the Dodgers won 4 games to the Yankees' 1).
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Aaron Rodgers was not pleased with one of his teammates during Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after the four-time league MVP was brought to the ground by a 300-pound offensive tackle during a touchdown celebration.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The appropriate State or local election official shall place such names on the official voting list.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Reddit threads dissect what’s real and what’s not, cataloging whether a timepiece is authentic, era-appropriate, or even properly worn.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on happy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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