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.
Playing happily one second, and too scared to be alone the next. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 In photos taken ahead of the wedding by their hairstylist Laurie Zanoletti, the pair posed happily arm-in-arm. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 July 2026 Bikes are also available on loan for guests wanting to explore the area, and in-room maps help craft the perfect itinerary, though the front desk will happily share recommendations. — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are about to get their happily-ever-after — with some high-profile friends and family looking on. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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

See All Rhymes for happily

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 10 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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