happiness

noun

ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Definition of happinessnext
1
as in joy
a feeling or state of well-being and contentment her happiness was complete when she got her very own house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in contentment
the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met finally found true happiness as a doctor in a poor rural area

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fitness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting the striking happiness of the phrase "fatal attraction" as the title for an erotic thriller

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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 happiness Their fragile happiness is threatened, however, when social services move to take Carlotta away, forcing Armony to confront a difficult journey to fight for legal custody. — Ed Meza, Variety, 23 July 2026 Hollywood loves treating success as proof of importance and importance as proof of happiness. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 July 2026 Women are selfish, pundits argue, prioritizing their careers and personal happiness over having families. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 20 July 2026 His presence was a source of comfort and happiness, and his loss has left a deep ache in the hearts of his family and all who cared for him. — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for happiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happiness
  1. joy
  2. contentment
  3. fitness
  4. bliss
  5. enjoyment
  6. relevance
  7. satisfaction
  8. usefulness
Noun
  • Arnetra and her sister, Akiva, described Darius as a joker, always striving to bring joy to those around him.
    — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Prawn and black truffle dumplings are a joy, the shimmering black casings colored with charcoal powder and stuffed with toothsome shrimp.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of joy
Noun
  • But do all this with the knowledge of what brings you contentment—and start charting your course now.
    — Scott Snider, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Barefoot in jeans and a T-shirt, the rock legend is the picture of contentment as waves ripple through the pool behind him from a breeze off the Atlantic.
    — Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Definition of contentment
Noun
  • The natural resistance of water helps build strength while improving cardiovascular fitness.
    — Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • The circular open-air gym perfectly frames the ocean from its second-story perch and is outfitted with sleek wood and stainless steel free weights from luxury fitness equipment brand Pent.
    — Ronee Uyeshiro, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
Definition of fitness
Noun
  • Host Cristi, whose dad built the house himself, welcomed us and showed us around the property before leaving us to enjoy the bliss of the place.
    — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Anna Karenina, Emma Bovary, and Tess Durbeyfield didn’t lead lives of unmitigated bliss.
    — Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of bliss
Noun
  • Beyond ski-in-ski-out access during the winter months, even though this 8,000-square-foot home has its own private gondola, this residence was built for year-round enjoyment.
    — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Still, full-size luxury sedans define the enjoyment of driving.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • Brands can still buy impressions, but paid reach alone is less likely to generate cultural relevance.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than relying on public attention or product demonstrations, the study assessed innovation through patent portfolios using the firm’s Patent Asset Index, which measures patent portfolio size, technological relevance, and market coverage.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of relevance
Noun
  • Choosing the right kitchen backsplash prevents costly mistakes, ensures long-term satisfaction, and sets the tone stylistically.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 25 July 2026
  • Produced by Jay Joyce and co-written with Dan Wilson and Steve Rusch, the song captures the satisfaction of moving on after an ex tries to return.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 24 July 2026
Definition of satisfaction
Noun
  • The result is deeper retention, stronger memory and community built on usefulness rather than visibility.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Wolf offered hints of rotational usefulness last season, but his clock-killing, ball-stopping dribbles to nowhere stood out more in a summer-league environment where his team was actually trying to win.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of usefulness

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happily
happiness
happing
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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happiness. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happiness

Nglish: Translation of happiness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happiness

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