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
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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Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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blissful, blithe, cheerful, joyful, merry, gay, delighted,
contented
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∙ 11y ago
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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
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Nearby Words
happiness, happily
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Synonyms for Happy. (2016). Retrieved 2023, April 12, from https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/happy
Synonyms for Happy. N.p., 2016. Web. 12 Apr. 2023. <https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/happy>.
Synonyms for Happy. 2016. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/happy.
57 happy birthday wishes found:
I could write you a touching message as long as my arm saying how you’re such a great friend and telling you just how much you mean to me, but deep down you already know all of that.
The unique bond we share is so strong that it means we pick up on every unspoken word and instantly understand every exchange in looks. I’m very lucky to be a part of such a special connection.
I’m sending the very best birthday wishes to you, my very best friend.
Happy birthday to a friend like no other!
I want you to know that to me you’re not just any old friend, you’re my very best friend. The impact you’ve had on my life has been so touching and far greater than you know.
I’m wishing you a long and happy life, filled with the most magical and memorable times imaginable.
Happy birthday to you!
On your very special day today,
I just want to show my appreciation
for a friend so great.
You’re the best kind of person to be
around and you’re always there for
me. I hope you know that I’m always
there for you too.
I really am so grateful to have a
friend like you.
A best friend isn’t simply someone
you can have fun with and hang
out together, a best friend is that
loyal person you can always count
on no matter what and trust with all
of your secrets.
I’m so lucky that I found all of that
and so much more in you.
May you have the most incredible
birthday today, bestie!
To my forever best friend, I’m wishing you a birthday today that’s filled with happiness and joy.
You’ve always been there for me and I just want you to know, on your special day, that it means the absolute world to me.
For a truly special person and the greatest friend a girl could have, I have only the most genuine and heartfelt wishes for you on your special day this year, bestie.
The truest of friendships are built to last, which is why ours will last a long, long time. We have a strong and meaningful foundation that doesn’t come easily, but what we have invested in our friendship will continue to pay off for years to come.
Here’s to you, to us, and to enjoying the bond we have formed until the end of time. Happy birthday, my dear best friend.
Happy birthday, my dear best friend.
Your birthday is as good a time as
any to tell you how much you mean
to me. You’re a true, kind, and
genuine person with a heart of gold.
You’re the most loyal of them all.
I truly am the luckiest person in the
world to have a blessed best friend
in you. Thank you for always
sticking by my side, bestie.
Best friends like us who
have been pals for so long
are among the lucky ones as we
always have someone to call on.
I could not for one moment
imagine a better friend,
there’s nobody I trust more
or on who I can depend.
Happy birthday to you.
I count myself lucky to
Have found a buddy like you
Because the truth is simply
That there are very few.
I would even go as far as
To say you’re one-of-a-kind
A friend you should hold on to
If you’re fortunate enough to find.
I’m wishing the happiest birthday
Possible to you today, best bud.
I always wish for only the very best
in life for you, my dear friend, but
I’m sending you extra special
wishes today as it’s your birthday.
You mean a great deal to me, and
I’m hoping that your special day
makes you feel as happy and as
loved as your friendship makes me.
Happy birthday to you.
A friendship can last a very long time, so it’s important that you find the right person to be your best friend through life. I’m very blessed that I can say I found that someone in you, a lifelong friend who is so significant and meaningful to me.
I’m wishing you continued happiness and all the love in the world, my friend. Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, my dear best friend. On your special day this year, I want to reflect on how fortunate we are to have each other in our lives.
A friendship like the one that we share comes around but once in a lifetime, which is why it’s so important to cherish it if we’re lucky enough to be blessed with such a special relationship.
I’ll always be truly grateful for you.
Happy birthday and many congratulations to you today, my dear best friend!
I’ve known you for a long time now and I consider you to be one of my nearest and dearest. I hope you always know just how meaningful you are to me.
Happy birthday to you today, my friend.
I might not tell you often enough, but I
want you to know that your friendship
means the world to me and more.
I hope you have an awesome birthday
today, at least as awesome as you are.
A friendship that has stood the test of
time for as long as ours deserves to
be celebrated and, in my eyes, there’s
no better time to show you how much
you mean to me than on your birthday,
my dear friend.
I hope you have a day that’s as super
special as you are to me. Happy birthday.