happily

adverb

ˈha-pə-lē How to pronounce happily (audio)
Definition of happilynext
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

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 happily Tulare County Sheriff's Office shared video of Fig happily meeting her family again on July 15. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 After several rocky years that included multiple stints in jail, Phillips has been happily sober since 2010 and is committed to paying it forward. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 Like Planck’s chauffeur, AI will happily tell you what to think, do, or say. — Ryan Hawk, Fortune, 20 July 2026 Like the broader romance genre, dark romance guarantees a happily ever after. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for happily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happily
  1. cheerfully
  2. properly
  3. correctly
  4. appropriately
Adverb
  • Nicola Piovani’s score evokes a whimsical longing for every era of the designer’s life, as if the audience cheerfully lived it along with him.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Perez handled the decision more cheerfully than fans in Sacramento, which is serving as the A’s temporary home while their new ballpark is being constructed in Las Vegas.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • Analysts say big changes are needed if Volkswagen is to properly compete with Chinese EV makers, which typically benefit from lower labor costs.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Then in February, a state appeals court repealed the ruling, saying the lawsuit was not properly served.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of properly
Adverb
  • This includes a way to make sure hardware and software are functioning correctly, and also change management for software development.
    — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
  • For example, a dividend must be calculated, withheld correctly and paid to the shareholder.
    — Mike Cahill, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of correctly
Adverb
  • The data might be strong, and the expression levels are regulated appropriately.
    — Kristofer Mussar, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • With that said, Spanish star Rodri will have a target on his back (or, more appropriately, his ankles).
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

happen (upon)
happily
happiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happily. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happily

Nglish: Translation of happily for Spanish Speakers

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