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

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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

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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 Recently, after a bad defeat, my happy-go-lucky son, Peter, ambled over to another player, who was stone-faced with frustration and shame. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 Plant the color that best defines you, whether that's white for a happy-go-lucky attitude or purple for a sweet disposition. — Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 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 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 war has cast a shadow on Persian Gulf nations that have long presented themselves as paragons of stability in a volatile region, mostly unaffected by the conflicts raging in the wider Middle East.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The higher-speed rail line’s South Florida service is unaffected as all trains serving West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami are running as scheduled.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Just a rugged man in a stream There is, of course, nothing nonchalant about the exchange.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • High, Lonesome and Then Some, released in October 2025, had been a sonic experiment in slow, mellow country melodies.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Writers demand all kinds of different styles in their music; some want instrumental, some don’t mind lyrics, some want mellow classical while others want heavy metal or some other kind of driving beat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • But the fall and winter hair trends—with the help of Ortega—show a shift happening in the opposite direction, embracing a much more relaxed and carefree aesthetic.
    — María Diez, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2026
  • When tragedy strikes, a carefree journalist must step up to anchor his family and rebuild his world.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • New visa rules for Australia and Japan Australia has long been popular with backpackers and young people looking to see the world and pick up casual work.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe plan on spending more than $20 for a casual lunch in the year 2026.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • This lighthearted eulogy was far from the only time that Stewart addressed his eventual death.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But Waititi, who wrote and directed the film, forgoes any attempt to capture the book’s existential depth, offering a manic, lighthearted robot romp instead.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • The couple approached wedding planning with an equally easygoing attitude.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Her son, Benson, now 4-years-old, is happy and easygoing, Silsby said.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • And yet, Linus keeps going back, seemingly unconcerned with what others think.
    — Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The fact that Young holds one of the most recognizable names and faces in Charlotte and yet is unconcerned with maintaining a public image controlled by himself, with his own accounts, is uncommon.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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