happy-go-lucky

adjective

ˌha-pē-gō-ˈlə-kē How to pronounce happy-go-lucky (audio)
Definition of happy-go-luckynext
1
as in unaffected
having a relaxed, casual manner he is completely happy-go-lucky on fishing trips—if he catches something, fine; if he doesn't, that's fine, too

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or trouble went on her happy-go-lucky way, totally unaware that she was strewing litter behind her

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 happy-go-lucky The universe is greeting you with joy, Libra, as the Moon and Pluto skip hand-in-hand through your happy-go-lucky 5th house. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 Harry with a woman who was easy and happy-go-lucky? — Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 Each section of the track could potentially get stuck in your head for days, from its jittery verse backed by swooning vocal harmonies to the way the bridge shifts into a happy-go-lucky gallop. — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026 Siebert was well known for his happy-go-lucky personality. — Riley Moser, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy-go-lucky
  1. unaffected
  2. nonchalant
  3. mellow
  4. carefree
  5. casual
  6. lighthearted
  7. easygoing
  8. unconcerned
Adjective
  • The version included in the NDAA limits the restrictions solely to military procurement, leaving commercial imports and private-sector sales unaffected for now.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • If approved by voters, the measure, backed by the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts, would outlaw recreational cannabis sales and home cultivation, though adult possession and medical cannabis programs would remain unaffected.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • After William and Kate were so nonchalant, staff turned to historical clippings about how to proceed, according to Myers.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 22 July 2026
  • The nonchalant stadium style Victoria Beckham embraced while rooting for England’s national team was at times an attraction in itself.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 19 July 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • Pour shrub into a clean jar; cover with lid and chill until flavors come together and mellow, about 1 week.
    — Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026
  • Best known for his angelic voice that plays on R&B and pop, WONHO seems to be testing out something new, bordering on dance, EDM, club, house, mellow pop, and hyper-pop.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • Others might have been overwhelmed by such a daunting challenge, but Serrajordi approached it with the positive, carefree attitude of a younger generation, similar to Lamine Yamal, Lopez or Pau Cubarsi.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Summer used to be a carefree time for vacations and camping in the United States.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • Danielle and Kevin Jonas hold hands while on a casual date night in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey on July 21.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • For something more casual, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill serves American favorites, fresh seafood, and an extensive rosé list just steps from the sand.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • Tiffany Haddish enjoys a lighthearted moment at Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 18.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • This first-look experience will give guests access to the game ahead of its official release, creating organic opportunities for social content, cast interaction, and lighthearted competition with The Rizzler.
    — William Earl, Variety, 20 July 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • Her tattoos and brunette bangs hint at a bohemian persona, but her glossy-looking album covers and easygoing interview responses aren’t very edgy.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • October might get most of the attention, but summer is when Salem gets to exhale and show off its more easygoing, creative side.
    — Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • Capitalism is unconcerned with such complexity and mutual interdependence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • While his friends—rounded out by Kaia Gerber as Susan Reynolds, Hayes Warner as Deborah Schaffer, and Graham Campbell as Thom Wright—seem unconcerned, Bret begins to unravel.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Definition of unconcerned

Browse Nearby Words

happy campers
happy-go-lucky
happy hunting ground
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Cite this Entry

“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happy-go-lucky

Nglish: Translation of happy-go-lucky for Spanish Speakers

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