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
Relevance
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
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
Pullman’s performance is a fascinating mix of happy-go-lucky and corrosively disappointed.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Pullman’s performance is a fascinating mix of happy-go-lucky and corrosively disappointed.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy-go-lucky
Adjective
-
Unlike the 13 colonies, East and West Florida were largely unaffected by the British Stamp Act and other taxes that fueled resentment elsewhere because the colonies produced relatively little for the British colonial economy.
-
Undergraduate lending is largely unaffected.
Adjective
-
That play effectively started once defender Tim Ream tracked down a goal kick near the half-line, then passed up to Tyler Adams for a nonchalant back-heel pass to Tillman.
-
Chisholm is normally pretty nonchalant, and manager Aaron Boone is rather stoic and defends his players sometimes to a fault.
Adjective
-
My mood might dictate a mellow classical or a nostalgic rock n’ roll journey.
-
While some editors appreciated it for its thicker texture, other editors found the mellow tang to be ideal for a variety of dishes from soup to tacos.
Adjective
-
Yet in recent weeks, Taylor has been out and about, suspiciously carefree.
-
The tragic ending, meanwhile, could traumatize those expecting a colorful, carefree romp for life.
Adjective
-
On casual occasions, this T-shirt dress is an easy way to be presentable—and comfortable.
-
Plus, the simple silhouette easily transitions from daytime adventures to casual dinners.
Adjective
-
After the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded during take off, killing all seven crewmembers on board, a lighthearted movie about five kids accidentally heading into orbit suddenly seemed rather less appealing.
-
Founded by Marc-André Roy and Jared Etzel in 2012, Domaine Roy & Fils is known for its elegant interpretations of Burgundy-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, so this complex but somewhat lighthearted rosé comes as a pleasant surprise.
Adjective
-
Nearby Suttons Bay has an easygoing feel, with a walkable downtown and scenic parks.
-
Hostas are beloved perennials prized for their lush, eye-catching foliage and easygoing nature.
Adjective
-
Propaganda has a way of being blissfully unconcerned with material reality, and the state fair is no exception.
-
After the deaths of Good and Pretti, JD Vance appears unconcerned about civil liberties or the deaths of Americans.
Cite this Entry
“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
