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 Youngsters romped through the crowd, happily indulging in eggthrowing or dunking-machine antics or trying to climb to the pinnacle of a greased pole, where a $20 bill waited. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026 Nearly three years later, the couple are enjoying the kind of happily ever after people write songs about—which makes this the perfect time to revisit all the ones Swift penned about her future husband. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Swift’s whirlwind romance with Kelce, who proposed to her last August, marked a happily ever after for the singer after some not-so-successful relationships. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2026 One of their favorites is driving to one of Oregon’s scenic viewpoints, Pilot Butte, to watch the sunset, where Middaugh often brings her professional camera, while Ward happily snaps photos on his iPhone. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for happily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happily
  1. cheerfully
  2. properly
  3. correctly
  4. appropriately
Adverb
  • My second appointment is with Dr Mohit Mangla, the allopathic consultant, who explains cheerfully that Tulåh prioritizes Ayurveda, albeit viewed through the lens of modern medicine.
    — Susan D'Arcy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026
  • Most of them answered the phone cheerfully.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • The chronic disease, which impairs the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar, contributed to 94,445 deaths that year.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Consoles, controllers, accessories, weird VR gloves that never worked properly, but mostly the games themselves.
    — David Pierce, The Verge, 2 July 2026
Definition of properly
Adverb
  • In 1785, astronomer William Herschel set about mapping our galaxy, correctly determining the disk-like shape of the Milky Way but incorrectly placing the solar system at its heart.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • Choosing the right products and using them correctly supports overall health and well-being.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026
Definition of correctly
Adverb
  • This sci-fi extravaganza was the perfect summertime escape that was appropriately launched over the festive Fourth of July week.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • Before adopting and offering access to AI agents, organizations need to learn which can withstand today’s adaptive attacks by ensuring data, assets and privacy are appropriately secure.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happily

Nglish: Translation of happily for Spanish Speakers

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