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.
The amateur is freed from the pressures of exhibition and sale, but that might just as easily breed bitterness as happiness. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 But the stand-alone fragment, in the seeming spirit of Franz Kafka’s surreal and unsettling fiction, links success to misery, and happiness to death. — Robert S. Levine, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Buffett’s view is supported by research that shows that people with supportive spouses tend to take on more rewarding challenges throughout their lives, and end up having more personal growth and happiness. — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026 She is driven by the belief that animals deserve happiness and love and that their lifespan should, in no way, depend on their usefulness to humans. — Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 22 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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happy
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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 1 Nov. 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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