1
as in cheerfully
in a cheerful or happy manner
happily accepted the invitation to dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in properly
in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose
one of those rare occasions on which business and pleasure happily mixed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of happily
His former coaches, however, happily come to his defense.
—
Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
However, many supporters would probably happily accept a finale to the campaign with as little drama as possible — and the chance to watch their side play top-flight football again from next August, irrespective of the cost.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Threadleaf coreopsis is a spring and summer bloomer that happily spreads in average garden soil.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
For two decades, Gulf governments played the role of rich aunt — writing checks, asking few questions, and happily letting New York bankers run the show.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happily
Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
However, many supporters would probably happily accept a finale to the campaign with as little drama as possible — and the chance to watch their side play top-flight football again from next August, irrespective of the cost.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Threadleaf coreopsis is a spring and summer bloomer that happily spreads in average garden soil.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
For two decades, Gulf governments played the role of rich aunt — writing checks, asking few questions, and happily letting New York bankers run the show.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happily
Adverb
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Joined by Feig's wife, Laurie, and Byrne's partner, Bobby Cannavale, the star pulled out her phone and cheerfully snapped selfies of the foursome.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
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Netflix’s Ted Sarandos likewise ripped Cameron, but Sarandos would still cheerfully kill to acquire a single new Cameron film over a hundred Red Notices and Rebel Moons.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
So excited to have properly chilled wine.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The track was built properly, with the fencing, the walls.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
After conversing with the bots, participants correctly identified the hypothetical condition only about a third of the time.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
-
And time your ascent correctly—climbers should begin to descend no later than noon.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
An appropriately tropical vibe fills this 530-room property sprawling across 32 acres of blooms, tropical grass, stone cranes, and deities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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For instance, provide them with a measuring cup to scoop out a serving of cereal or an appropriately-sized spoon to add potatoes to their plate.—
Sally Kuzemchak,
Parents,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happily. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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