happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Synonyms of happiness
1
a
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy
b
: a pleasurable or satisfying experience
I wish you every happiness in life.
I had the happiness of seeing you—W. S. Gilbert
2
: felicity, aptness
a striking happiness of expression
3
obsolete : good fortune : prosperity
All happiness bechance to thee …—William Shakespeare

Synonyms of happiness

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Examples of happiness in a Sentence

They made a toast to long life and happiness. her happiness was complete when she got her very own house
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.
There’s joy, there’s music, there’s magically regenerating food, trees that flower and fruit at the same time, piles of treasure, crystals that rain from the sky, everlasting happiness and health. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 In the series premiere, television personality and bestselling author Amanda Kloots opens up about grief, happiness and loving after loss. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 And listening to every chat were two experts in the science of happiness. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 Most of the new songs wrestle with how to seek pleasure while remaining hyperaware of the devastations of the world, and how that tension can make happiness itself feel like a vice. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happiness

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of happiness was in the 15th century

Rhymes for happiness

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Browse Nearby Words

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happiness
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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

More from Merriam-Webster on happiness

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happiness

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