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
Children are also happily accommodated.
—
Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Exuding warmth invites others to collaborate happily.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
In 2025, Hannah Lewis, associate professor of musicology at UT’s Butler School of Music, happily agreed to play along.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
And without a win in the postseason, this fairy tale might not get the happily-ever-after ending New England is clamoring for.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happily
Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Exuding warmth invites others to collaborate happily.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
In 2025, Hannah Lewis, associate professor of musicology at UT’s Butler School of Music, happily agreed to play along.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
And without a win in the postseason, this fairy tale might not get the happily-ever-after ending New England is clamoring for.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happily
Adverb
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With this introduction of a hapless protagonist not entirely managing to live her best life, Brett Haley‘s film cheerfully speaks both the literary and cinematic language of romantic comedy — and won’t seek to subvert or elevate it in the two hours that follow.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
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Unable to roll the map out, its creators cheerfully realize that the country itself can serve as its own map.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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This timing is meant to ensure the pill absorbs properly, McCoy explained.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
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Keep in mind that firm menstrual cups are more likely to open properly after being inserted.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
With the pick, everyone but Thicke now has a correct guess to their name — Jeong correctly guessed David Ortiz was Googly Eyes in the premiere, McCarthy-Wahlberg nabbed the Croissants, and Ora called out her longtime pal, Haddish.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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According to some care labels, specific wool coats can be washed at home if done correctly with a gentle wool wash or detergent, low water temperatures, and gentle agitation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Williams made an appropriately horny joke during an interview with Gayle King, while Storrie's interactions with The Bear star Ayo Edebiri made the rounds online.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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But at what cost if talent and assets are not managed appropriately?—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happily. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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