happily

adverb

ˈha-pə-lē How to pronounce happily (audio)
Definition of happilynext
1
as in cheerfully
in a cheerful or happy manner happily accepted the invitation to dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in properly
in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose one of those rare occasions on which business and pleasure happily mixed

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 happily Carroll Shelby must be resting happily in his grave, knowing his creation just became the most expensive American ever to be sold at an auction. — New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026 Some pups happily eat just about anything that lands within nose range. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Trump happily accepted the endorsement, which Cox made public at a press conference several days later—but Trump the Great Unifier never materialized. — Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 The story of Sue and Ron Wilson's life together, happily spanning 60 years, adorns their apartment. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happily
  1. cheerfully
  2. properly
  3. correctly
  4. appropriately
Adverb
  • Wagoner eventually recovers and the two cheerfully finish the song to applause.
    — Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At the top end, suites are spacious and cheerfully appointed, with smartly outfitted living rooms, double sinks in the bathrooms, robes, and patterned ceramics.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • Knowing what to look for and how to properly analyze a vehicle during a test drive can be the difference between choosing your next daily driver that'll last decades, or leaving a vehicle on the lot.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • During the trial, the defense called witnesses who described Clancy as a dedicated parent who suffered from extreme mental illness and was not properly treated by her medical providers.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of properly
Adverb
  • Training begins with a small smoke test to make sure the robot, environment, cameras, and control system work together correctly.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In simpler terms, a part of your paycheck subsidizes a boomer’s benefits—and according to the Cato Institute’s 2025 polling, only 45% of Americans correctly understand how the program works.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of correctly
Adverb
  • Here's why even more are ahead To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag, or a reclining chair to lie on.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In a letter to ICE's acting director Thursday, Cortez Masto and 15 of her colleagues in the Democratic caucus questioned ICE's need to spend up to $20 million to buy the devices, as well as the agency's ability to use them appropriately.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

happen (upon)
happily
happiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happily. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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