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

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 happy-go-lucky 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 Each section of the track could potentially get stuck in your head for days, from its jittery verse backed by swooning vocal harmonies to the way the bridge shifts into a happy-go-lucky gallop. — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026 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 Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 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
  • Unlike the 13 colonies, East and West Florida were largely unaffected by the British Stamp Act and other taxes that fueled resentment elsewhere because the colonies produced relatively little for the British colonial economy.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Undergraduate lending is largely unaffected.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • That play effectively started once defender Tim Ream tracked down a goal kick near the half-line, then passed up to Tyler Adams for a nonchalant back-heel pass to Tillman.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Chisholm is normally pretty nonchalant, and manager Aaron Boone is rather stoic and defends his players sometimes to a fault.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • My mood might dictate a mellow classical or a nostalgic rock n’ roll journey.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 26 June 2026
  • While some editors appreciated it for its thicker texture, other editors found the mellow tang to be ideal for a variety of dishes from soup to tacos.
    — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • Being in vacation mode also ushers in a more carefree attitude because there’s something magical about summer activities like catching lightning bugs and watching the blazing oranges and pinks of a setting sun dip below the horizon.
    — Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026
  • The self-aware smirk and carefree bounce of the record is a bit of a surprise, though.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • On casual occasions, this T-shirt dress is an easy way to be presentable—and comfortable.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Plus, the simple silhouette easily transitions from daytime adventures to casual dinners.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • In contrast to these grave descriptions, an unknown Irish monk from the ninth century offers a more lighthearted view of scriptorium life.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • The Armchair Expert host, 51, shared a lighthearted post on Instagram on Saturday, July 4, featuring Bell, 45, giving him a trim at home.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • Nearby Suttons Bay has an easygoing feel, with a walkable downtown and scenic parks.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 30 June 2026
  • Hostas are beloved perennials prized for their lush, eye-catching foliage and easygoing nature.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • Propaganda has a way of being blissfully unconcerned with material reality, and the state fair is no exception.
    — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • After the deaths of Good and Pretti, JD Vance appears unconcerned about civil liberties or the deaths of Americans.
    — Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happy-go-lucky

Nglish: Translation of happy-go-lucky for Spanish Speakers

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