happy-go-lucky

adjective

ˌha-pē-gō-ˈlə-kē How to pronounce happy-go-lucky (audio)
Definition of happy-go-luckynext
1
as in unaffected
having a relaxed, casual manner he is completely happy-go-lucky on fishing trips—if he catches something, fine; if he doesn't, that's fine, too

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or trouble went on her happy-go-lucky way, totally unaware that she was strewing litter behind her

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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 happy-go-lucky Recently, after a bad defeat, my happy-go-lucky son, Peter, ambled over to another player, who was stone-faced with frustration and shame. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 Plant the color that best defines you, whether that's white for a happy-go-lucky attitude or purple for a sweet disposition. — Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 The universe is greeting you with joy, Libra, as the Moon and Pluto skip hand-in-hand through your happy-go-lucky 5th house. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 Harry with a woman who was easy and happy-go-lucky? — Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy-go-lucky
  1. unaffected
  2. nonchalant
  3. mellow
  4. carefree
  5. casual
  6. lighthearted
  7. easygoing
  8. unconcerned
Adjective
  • The Valhalla’s dihedral doors, thankfully, were unaffected by any of the changes made to the vehicle.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The presales for the remaining shows are being held on Ticketmaster, and are reported to be unaffected.
    — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Just a rugged man in a stream There is, of course, nothing nonchalant about the exchange.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • High, Lonesome and Then Some, released in October 2025, had been a sonic experiment in slow, mellow country melodies.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Writers demand all kinds of different styles in their music; some want instrumental, some don’t mind lyrics, some want mellow classical while others want heavy metal or some other kind of driving beat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • When tragedy strikes, a carefree journalist must step up to anchor his family and rebuild his world.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Either way, this home affords an exceptional carefree lifestyle.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • New visa rules for Australia and Japan Australia has long been popular with backpackers and young people looking to see the world and pick up casual work.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe plan on spending more than $20 for a casual lunch in the year 2026.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • But Waititi, who wrote and directed the film, forgoes any attempt to capture the book’s existential depth, offering a manic, lighthearted robot romp instead.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • No matter where someone chooses to get reproductive care, Jung recommends making the process as lighthearted as possible.
    — Jessica Poitevien, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • Californios’ reign began to vanish even before the discovery of gold, when droughts and floods wiped out their easygoing livelihoods, and their lands were cut up, sold off, and their land grants swept aside by the new state.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Athorp’s easygoing, unassuming demeanor belies his decades-long experience and expertise, which are rooted in the knowledge passed down by his Indigenous ancestors.
    — Kate Nelson, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • The fact that Young holds one of the most recognizable names and faces in Charlotte and yet is unconcerned with maintaining a public image controlled by himself, with his own accounts, is uncommon.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Imagery, in its poetic sense, is unbridled by the laws of the real, unconcerned with replication, devoted instead to the rolling expanse of attempt.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconcerned

Browse Nearby Words

happy campers
happy-go-lucky
happy hunting ground
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Cite this Entry

“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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