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 By the end of the series, Jim and Pam are happily married and have welcomed two children. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026 Sometimes these stories end happily, with the hunter killing his buck and then coming back down to earth. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 Minutes earlier the kid was happily playing in the exam room. — CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 And that’s because this genre is set up for the happily ever after romantic ending. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happily
  1. cheerfully
  2. properly
  3. correctly
  4. appropriately
Adverb
  • Moments after sitting down at an outdoor table, Oppenheim breathes in the ocean air and starts cheerfully free-associating.
    — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
  • There were hundreds of bikers milling around cheerfully in the showery sunshine and proudly displaying their hogs.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • This visual communication is very useful during simulated space missions on land, too, especially in situations when our communications technologies have not worked properly.
    — Michaela Musilova, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • When pension shortfalls, other post-employment benefits and deferred maintenance are properly counted, the true financial condition of Maryland and its local governments is far weaker than the official budget statements claim.
    — Judi Willard, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of properly
Adverb
  • Additionally, Marshall has correctly noted that gas prices were higher during former President Joe Biden’s administration, peaking above $5 nationally.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • An agent could be properly authenticated, correctly authorized and operating within its guardrails.
    — Shekhar Iyer, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of correctly
Adverb
  • The entire piece is, appropriately enough, too big to take in in one glance; a viewer must step from side to side, and peer and squint, to make any sense of it.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Fuel Check was announced as part of an effort to make sure gas station operators are charging appropriately following the suspension of the tax.
    — Eva Flowe October 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

happen (upon)
happily
happiness
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Cite this Entry

“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happily. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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