happily

adverb

hap·​pi·​ly ˈha-pə-lē How to pronounce happily (audio)
Synonyms of happilynext
1
a
: in a fortunate manner
It was happily the case that Mr. Crawley was not at home.—Anthony Trollope
b
: as it fortunately happens
Happily, some boyhood pleasures don't change.—P. A. Witteman
2
archaic : by chance
3
a
: in a happy manner or state
happily married
… was happily shoveling a plate of ackee … into his mouth …—Zadie Smith
b
: in a very willing way
happily postponed the appointment
4
: in an adequate or fitting manner : successfully

Synonyms of happily

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Examples of happily in a Sentence

They have been happily married for 12 years. They lived happily ever after. We happily accept credit cards.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But Carron happily pointed to a pile of recycled asphalt that has a different plan. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 30 June 2026 But the bad news is that no one particularly wants her there and everyone would happily cut her loose if not for Sheepstealer. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 29 June 2026 The couple happily sells artworks on payment plans, a practice not unheard of in the gallery business, but generally atypical. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The French club have happily moved on from their former striker, winning two consecutive Champions League titles. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for happily

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of happily was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing happily

Rhymes for happily

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Browse Nearby Words

happify
happily
happiness
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Cite this Entry

“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happily. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

happily

adverb
hap·​pi·​ly ˈhap-ə-lē How to pronounce happily (audio)
1
: in a fortunate or lucky manner
happily, no one was injured
2
: in a happy manner or state
lived happily ever after
3
: in a fitting, effective, or successful manner
remarks happily worded

More from Merriam-Webster on happily

Nglish: Translation of happily for Spanish Speakers

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