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
  • But millions of pounds unrefrigerated food, mostly meat and seafood, remain in the western freezer, which was unaffected by the blaze.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Owners who generated their seed with at least 50 private dice rolls, or who used a strong passphrase, were unaffected.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • In his gray suit, open white shirt, and hint of a prison stubble, the 28-year-old Mangione looked steady, even nonchalant.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Someone’s nonchalant approach to payment, responsibility or splitting costs has officially stopped being charming.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • For the more mellow, there are chairlift rides up and down for scenic views, hiking, a mini mining experience and even a mini golf course.
    — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The middle ground can be a worthwhile frontier, as evinced by the mellow, incense-scented soft rock of an album like Clairo’s Charm, and the Sullivans explore that same blissful, lived-in palette.
    — W. Reed Putnam, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • There’s a Moon alert, which lightens the feelings of all your social exchanges and encourages a carefree nonchalance to everything.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For all of us hankering after a more expressive, carefree time, here are the nine ’90s nail designs made modern for autumn 2025.
    — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • Jewel enjoys a casual summer day while shopping at the What Goes Around Comes Around pop-up in Aspen.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • July 23 – August 22 A casual conversation could give your bigger vision a real structure.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • For all its lighthearted, sapphic fun, Kris faces her fair share of jump scares at the hands of Billy and Little Death (Jack Haven), the ghost behind the camp’s murders.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
  • With a careful renovation, this historic house enters its next chapter as a lighthearted family home.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • McConaughey leaned into the song’s easygoing twang, which made Langley’s tale of romantic abandonment for a Texas rival sound like a song that had been passed around a porch for generations.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Danish Modern Armchair Midcentury armchairs have a classic and easygoing elegance that recalls the Mad Men era and can blend in well in any style home.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • Nardulli raised his hand to his forehead, then saw Faragna heading toward him briskly, unconcerned with the sand getting into his dress shoes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Before the lopsided defeat of both amendments, Patterson seemed unconcerned with the possibility of Democrats tying his support of Amendment 5 to his own campaign.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 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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