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
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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
- 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.
What is another word for Happy?
-
felicitous
lucky, fortunate
-
fortunate
lucky, characteristic
-
merry
cheerful, contented
-
glad
willing, joyous
-
content
blessed, contented
-
lucky
fortunate, characteristic
-
joyful
contented, character trait
-
blissful
contented, joyous
-
contented
willing, glad
-
cheerful
character trait, contented
-
joyous
character trait, blessed
-
pleased
willing, joyous
-
overjoyed
feeling, exhilarated
-
elated
satisfied, very pleased
-
gratified
satisfied, pleased
-
satisfied
pleased
-
appropriate
property, right
-
apt
lucky, property
-
ecstatic
feeling, blessed
-
delighted
participle, willing
-
cheery
jaunty, joyous
-
blithe
joyful, glad
-
fitting
property, right
-
blessed
joyous, satisfied
-
jolly
satisfied, pleased
-
providential
luck, lucky
-
jovial
character trait, blithe
-
sunny
satisfied, pleased
-
bright
joyful
-
successful
lucky, characteristic
-
gay
character trait, glad
-
befitting
property, right
-
jubilant
pleased
-
propitious
fortunate, characteristic
-
prosperous
characteristic
-
opportune
fortunate, property
-
advantageous
fortunate
-
right
appropriate
-
gleeful
joyful
-
pleasant
jaunty, cheerful
Use filters to view other words, we have 1851 synonyms for happy.
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Happy Thesaurus
Definitions of Happy
Happy Antonyms
Nearby Words
happiness, happily
External Links
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Synonyms for Happy. (2016). Retrieved 2023, April 12, from https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/happy
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Synonyms for Happy. 2016. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/happy.
Other words that mean happy
Happy words. Instead of happy why not use….
To help improve your writing skills it is important not to repeat words in your essays or stories. This English lesson you will learn some different words that mean happy. The last part of the lesson is an A to Z of words that mean happy.
Different words to use instead of happy
cheerful, cheery, merry, joyful, jovial, jolly, jocular, gleeful, carefree, untroubled, delighted, smiling, beaming, grinning, lighthearted, pleased, contented, content, satisfied, gratified, buoyant, radiant, sunny, blithe, joyous, beatific; thrilled, elated, exhilarated, ecstatic, blissful, euphoric, overjoyed, in good spirits, in a good mood, exultant, rapturous, in seventh heaven, on cloud nine, walking on air, jumping for joy, jubilant.
Informal
chirpy, over the moon, tickled pink, on a high, on top of the world, as happy as a clam.
Formal
jocund (meaning lighthearted and cheerful).
Instead of happy why not use….
A to Z of words that mean happy
Aamused Bbeaming Ccarefree Ddelighted Eecstatic |
Ggay Jjolly L laughing Mmerry Ooverjoyed |
P perky Rradiant Ssatisfied Ttickled U untroubled |
Lessons that might be related to words that mean happy
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Happy
Means to show pleasure, joy, or contentment. Happy is simply feeling good.
- Whenever the sun is out I feel happy.
- I haven’t been happy at this company for a long time.
There are many synonyms that can be substituted for the word happy. Here are some of the most popular.
1. Cheerfuland Cheery
Means that someone is happy and optimistic. They are so happy that it can be visibly seen on their face and in their demeanor. Cheerful people are usually always smiling.
- I love hanging out with Beth, she’s always so cheerful.
- He was so cheerful, it looked like he was skipping through the streets.
- You have such a cheery personality.
2. Merry and Jolly
Means that someone is cheerful, and you can see the joy on their face. It can also be used to hope that someone has a good day. It is often used to wish someone a Merry Christmas.
People often think about a merry or jolly person being happy and always smiling, and unfortunately they are traditionally thought of as being fat. These words are associated with Santa Claus.
- You look particularly merry today, did something good happen.
- I want to wish you a Merry Christmas before you leave to visit your family.
- Have a jolly Christmas.
- He has a great big jolly laugh.
3. Joyful
Means to express great happiness for or about something. It can be used to not just express how someone feels in that moment, but also how someone feels about something.
- I’m feeling very joyful today.
- Working for this company has been a joyful experience.
4. Jovial
Means that someone is happy, cheerful, and lively. Jovial is almost always used to describe someone’s personality. Someone who is jovial is often very talkative and socializes with people.
- He’s so jovial. It’s fun to be around him and he talks to everyone.
5. Jocular
Refers to someone who is being playful or is joking.
- He’s in a jocular mood, he’s been telling jokes all afternoon.
6. Gleeful
Refers to someone triumphantly joyful. Someone is usually gleeful after something really good happens.
- After getting such a great score, she was gleeful.
7. Carefree
Means that someone does not have any worries or burdensome responsibilities. It is usually used to describe someone not having to do or worry about anything, or it is described as an attitude.
- It was nice to have a carefree vacation.
- His carefree attitude didn’t make sense, considering he was in so much financial trouble.
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8. Delighted
Refers to someone who is please or who is showing that they are finding pleasure in something. Someone is often delighted in reaction to something.
- I am delighted at how quickly our new furniture was delivered.
9. Lighthearted
Means that someone or something is lighthearted and entertaining. It usually describes a mood.
- The film was lighthearted.
- She was lighthearted even after such a stressful day.
10. Pleased
Means that someone is happy with or likes something.
- I am pleased with the outcome of our meeting.
11. Contented and Content
Refers to someone being happy and peaceful. Content isn’t the same as being cheerful or jovial, it’s a little bit less happy than that.
- I was very content with our conversation.
- He was contented with the agreement that was struck.
12. Satisfied
Means pleased and content. This can be a synonym for happy, but it’s not as strong as many of the other synonyms. It can mean happy, but it can also just be the absence of being unhappy.
- I was satisfied with the amount of people that attended the party.
13. Buoyant
Means that someone is cheerful and optimistic. Buoyant also means to float, and as a synonym of happy, a person who is buoyant seems as if they are so happy that they are floating. Someone who is buoyant is extremely happy.
- She was buoyant after her graduation ceremony.
14. Radiant
Means that something is sending out light. In the case of being a synonym to happy, it means that someone is so happy that you can see the joy coming off of them. Their face lights up.
- The smile on the grooms face was radiant when he saw his bride walk towards him down the aisle.
15. Gratified
Means that someone is being given a lot of pleasure and satisfaction. A person is happy in a grateful way.
- He was gratified to see how many people showed up for his performance.
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Synonym definition
A synonym is a word, adjective, verb or expression that has the same meaning as another, or almost the same meaning. Synonyms are other words that mean the same thing. This avoids repetitions in a sentence without changing its meaning.
Antonym definition
An antonym is a word, adjective, verb or expression whose meaning is opposite to that of a word. Antonyms are used to express the opposite of a word.
Use of synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms and antonyms are intended to:
- — Enrich a text, an email, a message.
- — Avoid repetitions in a text.
Examples of synonyms
The words acknowledge, enjoy, welcome are synonyms for «appreciate».
Examples of antonyms
The words blockage, encumbrance, handicap are antonyms for «help».
Use of synonyms-thesaurus.com
In your daily life, for writing an email, a text, an essay, if you want to avoid repetitions or find the opposite meaning of a word. This site allows you to find in one place, all the synonyms and antonyms of the English language. Synonyms-thesaurus.com is more than 70,800 synonyms and 47,200 antonyms available. Here you use the synonyms for happy. These synonyms for the word happy are provided for your information only.
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Happy Synonyms
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“Happy” is an adjective that can describe many things.
Happy
Synonyms: ecstatic, content, merry, jovial, jolly
What Is The Definition of “Happy”?
Happy is an adjective that can describe many things. If you’re feeling happy, that means you’re feeling “favored by luck or fortune.”
I was happy because I finally made it onto the softball team.
If you’re using happy to describe a place, that means it’s a place “marked by a joyous atmosphere.”
Disney World is known as the happiest place on Earth.
Happy can also refer to willing to do something.
I’m happy to help.
Sometimes, happy is used informally to mean “inclined to use a specified thing excessively or at random.”
He was kicked out of the paintball tournament for being too trigger-happy and shooting at his opponents during time-outs.
What Are Some Synonyms for “Happy”?
Happy has many synonyms (alternatives). Here are a few of them:
- Joyful
- Cheerful
- Merry
- Ecstatic
- Jubilant
- Elated
- Festive
- Lighthearted
- Jolly
- Gleeful
What Are Some Common Idioms for “Feeling Happy”?
Idioms help you have a more conversational disposition. Here are a few idioms you could use when you want to express that you (or someone else) are feeling happy.
She’s been on cloud nine ever since she won the lottery.
I’m feeling over the moon because my parents are visiting for the first time in five years.
Ever since I started exercising, I’ve been feeling on top of the world.
I am bursting with joy at the thought of my book finally being published.
Oscar said that after getting married, he feels as if he is walking on air.
Want some happy news? Finding synonyms is easy with LanguageTool—an intelligent, multilingual writing assistant. All you have to do is double-click on a word and choose from a list of synonyms. Additionally, this text editor will make sure your writing is free from spelling and grammar errors.
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- Top Definitions
- Synonyms
- Quiz
- Related Content
- When To Use
- More About Happy
- Examples
- British
- Idioms And Phrases
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
adjective, hap·pi·er, hap·pi·est.
delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing: I’m so happy to see you!
characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: a happy mood;a happy frame of mind.
willing to be helpful, as with assistance, a contribution, or participation: We’ll be happy to bring a couple of salads to the party.
favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky: Our home country is a happy, fruitful land.
(used as part of an expression of good wishes on a special occasion): Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband.Happy Birthday, Grandpa!
apt or felicitous, as actions, utterances, or ideas: Their collaboration was a happy accident.
obsessed by or quick to use the item indicated (usually used in combination): He was a trigger-happy gangster.Everybody is gadget-happy these days.
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Which sentence is correct?
Idioms about happy
Origin of happy
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Middle English; see origin at hap1, -y1
OTHER WORDS FROM happy
o·ver·hap·py, adjectivequa·si-hap·py, adjective
Words nearby happy
happen-so, happenstance, happi coat, happily, happiness, happy, happy as a clam, happy as the day is long, happy camper, happy-clappy, happy dust
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
WHEN TO USE
What are other ways to say happy?
The adjective happy is sometimes used to describe things that are favored by fortune. How does it differ from fortunate and lucky? Find out on Thesaurus.com
MORE ABOUT HAPPY
What is a basic definition of happy?
Happy describes a feeling of joy, delight, or glee. It also describes something that is related to or shows joy. Happy can describe someone being willing to do something or be helpful. Happy is used in many expressions that wish good tidings to another person. Happy has a few other senses as an adjective.
Happy describes feeling really good, as when a person in a good mood that makes them smile. Happiness refers to this positive emotion. Happily means in a happy way.
Real-life examples: Everybody has something that makes them happy. Cute animals, presents, compliments, and loved ones make most people feel happy.
Used in a sentence: The surprise birthday party really made Abdul happy.
Happy also describes something that shows or is related to feelings of happiness and joy.
Used in a sentence: The friendly clown had a happy smile.
Happy describes someone being willing to do something, especially to help or assist someone else. They don’t think whatever they will do is a problem or a chore.
Real-life examples: Many experts are happy to show off their knowledge. Salespeople are often happy to explain things to customers if it means selling more items.
Used in a sentence: I’d be happy to give you a ride to the mall since I was going there anyway.
The word happy is used in many greetings and expressions that wish a person well or wish that they have a good future.
Used in a sentence: Happy birthday!
Where does happy come from?
The first records of happy come from around 1350. It comes from Middle English and is a combination of the word hap, meaning “a person’s luck or lot,” and the suffix –y meaning “characterized by.” The word hap comes from the Old Norse happ, meaning “luck” or “chance.”
Did you know … ?
How is happy used in real life?
Try using happy!
Which of the following words is a synonym of happy?
- sad
- angry
- cheerful
- scared
Words related to happy
cheerful, contented, delighted, ecstatic, elated, glad, joyful, joyous, jubilant, lively, merry, overjoyed, peaceful, pleasant, pleased, satisfied, thrilled, upbeat, apt, fortunate
How to use happy in a sentence
-
I’m happy I’m not a freshman right now because I think that my dorm experience is something I never would have wanted to give up.
-
In fact, I was the kid who, if I got called up in front of the class, was not happy to publicly speak.
-
It’s a way to keep the ice-cream makers happy while saving the rainforest, and it can be scaled up now.
-
Zoom happy hours and small dinner parties are the pandemic’s new social scenes and cocktails should be part of this home experience.
-
Rodríguez, who now lives in Arizona, in a message she sent to the Blade said she was very happy when Moreno called her and told her she had won her case.
-
So, as far as Mexican officials like Peña Nieto are concerned, the goal is to keep their countrymen here — and keep them happy.
-
How do you celebrate when happy occasions are colored by loss and absence?
-
He seemed by all appearances perfectly happy to let the Republicans control the state senate.
-
The church was not happy with his views, and there was talk of excommunication.
-
“We wish each and every one of you a happy and safe new year,” Giorgio said at the very end.
-
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.
-
Cousin George’s position is such a happy one, that conversation is to him a thing superfluous.
-
Liszt gazed at «his Hans,» as he calls him, with the fondest pride, and seemed perfectly happy over his arrival.
-
M’Bongo and his whole court are now clothed, I am happy to say, at least to a certain extent.
-
He was aware that his act by this time, had helped nobody, had made no one happy or satisfied—not even himself.
British Dictionary definitions for happy (1 of 2)
adjective -pier or -piest
feeling, showing, or expressing joy; pleased
willingI’d be happy to show you around
causing joy or gladness
fortunate; luckythe happy position of not having to work
aptly expressed; appropriatea happy turn of phrase
(postpositive) informal slightly intoxicated
interjection
(in combination)happy birthday; happy Christmas
Derived forms of happy
happily, adverbhappiness, noun
Word Origin for happy
C14: see hap 1, -y 1
British Dictionary definitions for happy (2 of 2)
adj combining form
denoting excessive enthusiasm for or devotion togun-happy
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with happy
In addition to the idioms beginning with happy
- happy as the day is long
- happy camper
- happy hour
- happy hunting ground
- happy medium
also see:
- many happy returns
- trigger happy
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.