Today, you’re going to learn 41 positive emotion adjectives and idioms to describe happy emotions. For more positive English words, check out 59 Positive Personality Adjectives!
Do you ever find yourself saying this:
“I’m so happy. I mean … I’m really, really happy. This makes me so happy. I’m happy — are you happy? I’m happy!”
It sounds like you need some synonyms for “happy.”
Today, I’m going to show you how to stop repeating yourself when you’re talking about positive feelings.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to stop repeating yourself when you want to say that you’re feeling:
- Happy
- Excited
- Surprised
- Interested
- Satisfied
- Emotional
- Relaxed
So let’s get started.
More Words for “Happy”
Pleased — This word means between “happy” and “satisfied.” Very often, you’re pleased with a particular thing. Like your exam results. Or the hippo dancing.
Cheerful — This is when someone is visibly happy. They walk into the room, and you can see it in the way they walk, what they say and the massive smile on their face.
Exuberant — This is like cheerful — but even stronger.
Euphoric — When you’re intensely happy. This is when all you can feel is your own happiness. It really is a very strong feeling.
Merry — This is a little like cheerful. Usually, when you’re feeling merry, you might be in quite a playful mood as well. We often associate this with how you feel after a couple of glasses of wine.
Overjoyed — This simply means “very happy.”
Elated — Somewhere between “happy” and “overjoyed.”
Glad — “Glad” is similar to “pleased.” Usually, you’re glad about something in particular. Like the wonderful news. Or the football result.
Bonus Idioms — Happy
Actually, there are quite a few idioms to describe being happy. Here are some of the more common ones:
On cloud nine
On top of the world
In high spirits
As happy as Larry
You may have noticed that most of these refer to being somewhere high up. Which makes sense, right?
The Larry idiom? Well, that doesn’t make sense. I mean — who’s Larry, and why’s he so happy?
Ah… English!
Words for “Happy” on a Scale
At the top: you’ve just won the lottery, and your doctor has told you that you have a genetic condition that means you can NEVER put on weight.
At the bottom: you’re at the supermarket, and you’ve found a till with no queue.
2. Excited
Take a look at this picture. How would you describe her?
How many words did you find?
Here are some more!
More Words for “Excited”
Click to listen
Thrilled — This just means “very excited.” You can also use it to mean “happy,” like, “We’re thrilled you’re going to come and visit us at our ant factory.”
Charged — Imagine you’re about to do a parachute jump. How do you feel? This is like “excited” but has more adrenaline. More tension.
Pumped — “Pumped” is kind of similar to “charged.” You’re excited AND ready for an intense situation, like a dangerous mountain biking trail or a heavy game of kangaroo wrestling.
Words for “Excited” on a Scale
Because some words are just too strong for some situations and others are just too weak, I’m going to add a scale for each word in this lesson.
The scale ranges from “going to a new cafe” (not very exciting… but kind of exciting. A bit) to “preparing to fight a massive bear” (so exciting that it’s kind of terrifying).
So the “red zone” is something you might want to avoid unless your lifestyle is pretty extreme.
3. Surprised
Yes! You guessed it! She’s surprised!
More Words for “Surprised”
Astonished — Just “very surprised”
Astounded — I’d say that this is even stronger than “astonished.” It’s got an element of shock. Maybe you look a bit like this:
via GIPHY
Amazed — You probably already know this one. It’s like “surprised,” but there’s an air of magic to it. Like that time when you first saw a unicorn. What? You haven’t seen a unicorn yet? Well … you’ll be amazed.
Startled — This can be a bit negative sometimes. “Startled” has a feeling of shock and even alarm to it. I always think of that feeling when you’re at home, and you think no one is there. You go to the kitchen for a cup of tea, and you see your flatmate there. You thought she was out, right? How do you feel? Startled!
Taken aback — This is usually a bit more negative as well. Again, it’s on that line between “shocked” and “surprised.”
Dumbstruck — Very, very surprised. Maybe so surprised that you can’t speak.
Bonus Idiom — “Surprised”
My jaw dropped — This is about the same as “astounded.”
We also have the adjective “jaw-dropping.” Like, “Did you see that magician? Absolutely jaw-dropping! I mean … how did she make your wallet disappear completely? And then run away? Amazing!”
Words for “Surprised” on a Scale
Again — we’re going from “weak surprise” to “strong surprise.”
Weak surprise is when your friend has a new hat.
Strong surprise is when you get home, and your house is suddenly a zebra.
4. Interested
OK. How does he feel?
How many words can you use?
Here are some more!
More Words for “Interested”
Captivated — You know that feeling when you can’t stop looking at something? Like that perfect musical performance. Or one of those films that you watch, and you can never really understand what’s happening. But you just keep watching. Because you’re interested — or “captivated.”
Fascinated — Very interested
Absorbed — This is when you’re completely “stuck inside” something. Have you ever had that feeling when you’ve been so interested in a book you’re reading that you miss your bus stop? That — exactly that — is “absorbed.”
Engrossed — This is basically the same as absorbed.
Bonus Idiom — Interested
On the edge of your seat — When you’re just really interested in what’s happening. I always imagine sitting in the cinema, so interested in the film I’m watching that I’m literally sitting on the (front) edge of my seat.
Words for “Interested” on a Scale
Weak interest is when your best friend wants to tell you about their job interview. It’s kind of interesting because it’s your friend. Even though the interview itself isn’t interesting.
Strong interest is that film. We all have one of those films. It’s that film.
5. Satisfied
Oooh… You’ve got what you want, and it feels good!
But how many words can you use to describe it?
More Words for “Satisfied”
Fulfilled — That special feeling you get from being satisfied with your life — maybe it’s work; maybe it’s family; maybe it’s helping homeless rabbits.
Gratified — This is more or less the same as “satisfied.”
Satiated — We usually use it to describe feeling satisfied after a meal.
Words for “Satisfied” on a Scale
At the top, we have “completing a 5-year degree course.”
At the bottom, we have that feeling after a good cup of tea.
You may have noticed that there’s no “red zone” here. Well, it seems we don’t have many common words meaning “extremely satisfied.”
6. Emotional
We all get that feeling sometimes, right? When our feelings and emotions take over.
Sometimes, it can feel great, can’t it?
More Words for “Emotional”
Moved — It simply means “emotionally affected.” For example, when we watch a powerful drama, or when someone buys us flowers unexpectedly.
Overwhelmed — This is when something gets too much for us. Have you ever suddenly started crying with happiness when you weren’t expecting it? You could say you were overwhelmed with emotion. This can be used for negative situations as well as positive ones.
Overcome — It’s basically the same as “overwhelmed.”
Impassioned — This is another way of saying “very emotional.”
Words for “Emotional” on a Scale
Low-level emotional is when your favourite TV show is doing a double-length episode this week.
And high-level emotional is “everyone you’ve ever met has decided to throw a party for you and tell you how awesome you are.” (Hmmm… maybe that’s a bit creepy, but you get the idea!)
7. Relaxed
Oh, yeah. That’s the life.
OK. This is the last one. Before you read on … how many words do you know for relaxed?
More Words for “Relaxed”
Chilled out — You’re by the pool. You’ve got your favourite cocktail in your hand. There are no kids anywhere. You can hear the waves of the sea hitting the beach nearby. How do feel? Yep. Me too.
Calm — This one means relaxed, but it also means “not stressed” or “not angry.”
Soothed — If “calm” means “not angry/stressed,” then “soothed” means “not angry/stressed anymore.” In order to be “soothed,” you need to be angry/stressed first. Then you see the cat video, and you calm down.
Content — You know that feeling when you feel very happy with your life. Sure, you could have a bit more money, and maybe life would be a bit better if that guy in the office didn’t sing so much. But generally speaking, you’re happy and (this is the important part) you don’t want anything more. Everything’s fine the way it is. That’s “content.”
Tranquil — Remember the feeling you had by the pool? Now be 10 times more relaxed. Now you’re tranquil. Congratulations!
Serene — This one is more or less the same as “tranquil.”
Composed — You know that guy who’s always really calm, but not in that pool-side way — more in that focused, dynamic way? You could tell him that there was a bomb in his trousers, and instead of panicking, he’d just figure out a way to control the situation. Never panics, never gets emotional … He’s composed.
Words for “Relaxed” on a Scale
Super relaxed is when you’ve actually just left your body.
Mildly relaxed is when you thought you had to wash a few plates. But it looks like someone else has already done it.
So now you can talk about your feelings with these positive emotion adjectives. Good work!
But I want to make sure you’ve understood these well.
So, in the comments below, can you tell me about a time when you felt thrilled, on the edge of your seat or merry?
I’d love to hear your stories!
Did you find this useful? Do you know any people (or dolphins) that might also benefit from this? Then BE AWESOME AND SHARE! Spread the knowledge!
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What is a better word for happy?
1 joyous, joyful, blithe, cheerful, merry, contented, blissful, satisfied. 4 favorable, propitious; successful, prosperous. 6 appropriate, fitting, opportune, pertinent.
What’s another word for very happy?
What is another word for very happy?
beaming | sunny |
---|---|
thrilled | blissful |
cheery | chirpy |
delighted | light-hearted |
overjoyed | rapturous |
What does trace mean in the 12 powerful words?
Power Word | Definition |
---|---|
Trace | Means to outline |
Analyze | To break it down |
Infer | Read between the lines |
Evaluate | To judge |
What are power words in customer service?
Here are 7 powerful customer service phrases that can support your interaction with customers.
- “I don’t know, but let me find out.”
- “Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”
- “I certainly can check that for you.”
- “I apologize for the inconvenience.”
- “I will update you by [time].”
- “Happy to help.”
How do you apologize to customer service?
Here are five important aspects of an apology to a customer:
- Be truly sorry. If you aren’t genuinely sorry for at least some part of the problem, then don’t apologize.
- Validate your customer’s feelings.
- Explain what happened.
- Admit to your mistakes.
- Explain what you’ll do differently.
How do you talk to customer service?
This allows each member to maintain their unique voice without sounding like they’re talking from a script.
- Think of tone on a spectrum.
- Use positive language.
- Be brief but not brusque.
- Reply in a timely manner.
- Always use your customer’s name.
- Talk their talk.
- Be careful with jokes.
- Create a support style guide.
How do you calm down an upset customer?
How to Deal with Angry Customers
- Remain calm.
- Practice active listening.
- Repeat back what your customers say.
- Thank them for bringing the issue to your attention.
- Explain the steps you’ll take to solve the problem.
- Set a time to follow-up with them, if needed.
- Be sincere.
- Highlight the case’s priority.
How can I be nicer to my customers?
Here’s some dating 101 for how to communicate with customers.
- Mind your manners.
- Don’t use jargon.
- Keep it positive.
- Do some Googling.
- Avoid conversation killers.
- Know when to say sorry.
- Don’t ghost them.
What do you say to a rude customer?
Phrases for dealing with “The Abusive Customer”:
- “I truly understand your concern, Sir/Madam, but unfortunately we cannot tolerate the kind of language you are using right now…”
- “I’m going to do my very best to help you, Mrs Brown…”
- “You seem very upset, Mrs Brown.
- “I’m sorry you’re so upset, Sir/Madam.
How do you address a rude customer?
Strategies for Handling Rude Customers
- Stay Calm, Don’t React. The first thing to do is to remain calm and not respond in kind.
- Don’t Take It Personally. Chances are, your customer is angry about a bad product or service, and you’re just the unfortunate target for their frustration.
- Listen and, If Appropriate, Apologize.
Do you have to serve rude customers?
It is okay to refuse service if a customer is being disrespectful and rude, but don’t confuse a customer being ride and disrespectful, with you simply not liking them or the way they talk to you.
Can you refuse to sell to a customer?
When refusing a customer is illegal There are many anti-discrimination laws at the federal, state, and local level. Chief among these is the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations.
Why customers are so rude?
Customers want to feel like they’re being heard. Customers expect more from the businesses they choose to spend their money with. If customers feel like they aren’t being heard, they are likely to make their feelings known, both in person and online. Unfortunately, this displeasure is often expressed in rude ways.
Why are customers so needy?
In a way, customer needs are great – you’d prefer them to need rather than not need you. But often, customers ‘act’ needy because either you’re not meeting their needs, or they don’t feel that you’re meeting their needs. Meeting a broad variety of customer needs is key to delivering an excellent customer experience.
How do you deal with self entitled customers?
Make sure to treat everyone equally, even the entitled person….Try these five tips.
- Use wish fulfillment to set limits.
- Treat everyone equally.
- Feel a little compassion for them.
- Be inclusive, even of entitled people.
- Remember there’s only so much you can do.
Why are customers so rude to cashiers?
It’s usually just because they’re crabby about something that has nothing to do with the cashier. But sometimes, it IS the cashier they’re upset about. Some cashiers will talk as though every customer is their friend. Even when the lines are long.
How do you handle an abusive client?
Dealing with Abusive Customers
- Personalize the conversation. The less personal the interaction, the more likely it can escalate out of control.
- Declare your intent and boundaries. Remind the customer you want to solve the problem.
- Transfer the call.
- Discontinue the call.
How do you handle verbal abuse from customers?
If you’re ever faced with such a scenario, maintain your professionalism and try to work toward a resolution.
- Manner. Always maintain a polite and professional manner during any exchange with a customer.
- Explain.
- Empathize.
- Honesty.
- Refer to Policies.
- Escalate.
- Issue a Warning.
- Silent Treatment.
What are the three phases of violence?
There are three phases in the cycle of violence: (1) Tension-Building Phase, (2) Acute or Crisis Phase, and (3) Calm or Honeymoon Phase. Without intervention, the frequency and severity of the abuse tends to increase over time.
- cheerful
- contented
- delighted
- ecstatic
- elated
- glad
- joyful
- joyous
- jubilant
- lively
- merry
- overjoyed
- peaceful
- pleasant
- pleased
- satisfied
- thrilled
- upbeat
- blessed
- blest
- blissful
- blithe
- can’t complain
- captivated
- chipper
- chirpy
- content
- convivial
- exultant
- flying high
- gay
- gleeful
- gratified
- intoxicated
- jolly
- laughing
- light
- looking good
- mirthful
- on cloud nine
- peppy
- perky
- playful
- sparkling
- sunny
- tickled
- tickled pink
- up
- walking on air
- apt
- fortunate
- lucky
- successful
- accidental
- advantageous
- appropriate
- auspicious
- befitting
- casual
- convenient
- correct
- effective
- efficacious
- enviable
- favorable
- felicitous
- fitting
- incidental
- just
- meet
- nice
- opportune
- promising
- proper
- propitious
- providential
- right
- satisfactory
- seasonable
- suitable
- timely
- well-timed
On this page you’ll find 203 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to happy, such as: cheerful, contented, delighted, ecstatic, elated, and glad.
antonyms for happy
- depressed
- disappointed
- disturbed
- down
- grave
- melancholy
- miserable
- not happy
- sad
- serious
- sorrowful
- troubled
- unhappy
- upset
- discouraged
- dissatisfied
- forsaken
- hopeless
- morose
- pained
- unfortunate
- unlucky
Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
TRY USING happy
See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
WHEN TO USE
What are other ways to say happy?
Happy is an adjective that emphasizes a pleasant ending or something that happens at just the right moment: By a happy accident, I received the package on time. Fortunate implies that success is obtained by the operation of favorable circumstances more than by direct effort; it is usually applied to grave or large matters (especially those happening in the ordinary course of things): fortunate in one’s choice of a partner; a fortunate investment. Lucky, a more colloquial word, is applied to situations that turn out well by chance: lucky at cards; my lucky day.
How to use happy in a sentence
Zoom happy hours and small dinner parties are the pandemic’s new social scenes and cocktails should be part of this home experience.
BAR RESCUE: PANDEMIC EDITIONJAKEMETHSEPTEMBER 15, 2020FORTUNE
And that was that if he and his wife were to ever live together again and be happy, the family were to be kept out of it.
THE HOMESTEADEROSCAR MICHEAUX
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
OCTOBER 26, 1985
WORDS RELATED TO HAPPY
- assured
- bright
- buoyant
- cheerful
- cheering
- confident
- encouraged
- expectant
- happy
- high
- hopeful
- hoping
- idealistic
- keeping the faith
- looking on the bright side
- looking through rose-colored glasses
- merry
- on cloud nine
- on top of world
- positive
- promising
- ray of sunshine
- rose-colored
- roseate
- rosy
- sanguine
- sunny
- trusting
- upbeat
- utopian
- animated
- blithe
- bouncy
- cheerful
- cheery
- effervescent
- elastic
- fanciful
- flippant
- frolicsome
- gay
- graceful
- happy
- high-spirited
- jaunty
- light
- light-hearted
- merry
- nonchalant
- resilient
- sprightly
- volatile
- whimsical
- activated
- active
- alert
- animated
- dynamic
- energized
- gay
- happy
- spirited
- vivacious
- activated
- active
- alert
- animate
- ardent
- brisk
- buoyant
- dynamic
- ebullient
- elated
- energetic
- energized
- enthusiastic
- excited
- fervent
- gay
- happy
- passionate
- peppy
- quick
- snappy
- spirited
- sprightly
- vibrant
- vigorous
- vital
- vivacious
- vivid
- zealous
- zestful
- zingy
- zippy
- applicable
- apposite
- appropriate
- apropos
- befitting
- correct
- felicitous
- fit
- fitting
- germane
- happy
- just
- pertinent
- proper
- relevant
- seemly
- suitable
- timely
- advantageous
- bright
- favorable
- felicitous
- fortunate
- golden
- halcyon
- happy
- hopeful
- lucky
- opportune
- promising
- propitious
- prosperous
- rosy
- timely
- well-timed
Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
1
as in fortunate
coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly
a happy discovery, finding the letter that would prove her innocence
2
as in pleased
experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight
made bread for the first time and was happy with the tasty result
3
as in satisfied
feeling that one’s needs or desires have been met
has been much happier ever since she moved
4
as in lucky
having good luck
the happy person who is both appreciated and rewarded for all his hard work
5
as in suitable
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation
the wine was a happy complement to such a fine meal
6
as in obsessed
having extreme or relentless concern
poll-happy pundits just care about which political candidate is winning, and never about the issues
Try This Instead
Synonym Chooser
How is the word happy different from other adjectives like it?
Some common synonyms of happy are fortunate, lucky, and providential. While all these words mean «meeting with unforeseen success,» happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.
a series of happy accidents
Where would fortunate be a reasonable alternative to happy?
In some situations, the words fortunate and happy are roughly equivalent. However, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one’s deserts.
fortunate in my investments
When might lucky be a better fit than happy?
The meanings of lucky and happy largely overlap; however, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.
won because of a lucky bounce
When could providential be used to replace happy?
While in some cases nearly identical to happy, providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.
a providential change in the weather
Thesaurus Entries Near happy
Cite this Entry
“Happy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on happy
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words to Describe Happy Feelings: Find a list of happy feelings. Use the words to express how you feel in your moments of happiness.
There are many different words to describe happy emotions. Using the right words enables people to understand you better. They also help to connect with you at a deeper level.
Contents
- Words to Describe Happy Feelings
- Words for Happy Feelings
- Positive Words that Express Happiness
- More Positive Words that Express Happiness
- General FAQ
Find Words to Describe Happy Feelings Below
1. Affectionate
2. Amused
3. Appreciated
4. Appreciated
5. Better
6. Blessed
7. Capable
8. Cherished
9. Comfortable
10. Confident
11. Confident
12. Content
13. Delighted
14. Encouraged
15. Engaged
16. Enjoy
17. Excited
18. Excited
19. Fulfilled
Read: Expressing Your Feelings to Someone You Love
20. Glad
21. Good
22. Grateful
23. Grateful
24. Grateful
25. Great
26. Happy
27. Heard
28. Hopeful
29. Inspired
30. Joyful
Read: Words to Use to Express Your Feelings
31. Joyful
32. Loved
33. Peaceful
34. Peaceful
35. Pleased
36. Pleased
37. Proud
38. Relieved
39. Respected
40. Satisfied
41. Silly
42. Valued
43. Wrapped in love.
Read: Motivational Words List
Words for Happy Feelings
Searching for happy words or positive Words that Express Happiness? Below is a list of happy words or a list of positive words that express happiness.
Positive Words that Express Happiness
- Accepted
- Acclaimed
- Accomplish
- Achievement
- Action
- Active
- Admire
- Adorable
- Adventure
- Affirmative
- Affluent
- Agree
- Agreeable
- Amazing
- Angelic
- Beaming
- Beautiful
- Believe
- Beneficial
- Bliss
- Bountiful
- Bounty
- Brave
- Bravo
- Brilliant
- Calm
- Celebrated
- Certain
- Champ
- champion
- Charming
- Cheery
- Choice
- Classic
- Classical
- Clean
- Commend
- Composed
- Congratulation
- Cool
- Creative
- Cute
- Dazzling
- Delight
- Delightful
- Distinguished
- Divine
- effective
- effervescent
- Efficient
- Effortless
- Electrifying
- elegant
- enchanting
- Encouraging
- Endorsed
- Energetic
- Energized
- Engaging
- Enthusiastic
- Essential
- Esteemed
- Ethical
- Excellent
- Exciting
- Exquisite
- Fabulous
- Fair
- Familiar
- Famous
- Fantastic
- Favorable
- Fetching
- Fine
- Fitting
- Flourishing
- Fortunate
Read: Positive Words to Describe Someone
More Positive Words that Express Happiness
- Free
- Fresh
- Friendly
- Fun
- Funny
- Generous
- Genius
- Genuine
- Giving
- Glamorous
- Glowing
- Good
- Gorgeous
- Graceful
- Great
- Green
- Grin
- Growing
- Handsome
- Happy
- Harmonious
- Healing
- Healthy
- hearty
- Heavenly
- Honest
- Honorable
- Honored
- Hug
- Idea
- Ideal
- imaginative
- Imagine
- Impressive
- Independent
- Innovate
- Innovative
- Instant
- Instantaneous
- Instinctive
- Intellectual
- Intelligent
- Intuitive
- Inventive
- jovial
- Jubilant
- Learned
- Legendary
- Light
- lovely
- Lucid
- Lucky
- Luminous
- Outrageous
- paradise
- perfect
- phenomenal
- Pleasant
- pleasurable
- Plentiful
- Poised
- Polished
- Popular
- Positive
- Powerful
- Prepared
- Pretty
- Productive
- Prominent
- Protected
- Proud
- Safe
- Satisfactory
- Secure
- Seemly
- Simple
- Skilled
- Skillful
- Smile
- Smiling Woman Outdoors
- Soulful
- Sparkling
- Special
- Spirited
- Spiritual
- Stirring
- Stunning
- Stupendous
- Success
- Successful
- Sunny
- super
- Superb
- Supporting
- Surprising
- Welcome
- Well
- Whole
- Wholesome
- Willing
- Wonderful
- Worthy.
Read: Words Can’t Express My Feelings for You
General FAQ
What words describe happiness?
Joy, bliss, felicity, gleefulness, pleasance, glee, cheerfulness, joyfulness, jubilation
What’s another word for feeling happy?
Joyous, blissful, delighted, glad, joyful, overjoyed, jubilant, rejoicing
What are synonyms for happy?
Joyous, Cheerful, contented, Ecstatic, Elated, Glad, Delighted, Joyful, Pleased
Writing words to express happiness and excitement can be a challenge if you don’t have the right words. These words to describe happy feelings will enable you to find good happy feelings words to use.
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Michael Andrew is a content writer for Weds Kenya. He is a loving husband proud father of two. If you have any questions or would like to add to this content, please send us an email. You can follow us on Twitter or facebook.