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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of happy-go-lucky
Perhaps the happy-go-lucky Heisman Trophy winner and national champion can help uplift a team desperate for a spark and new leadership.
—
C J Doon, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026
Of course, title notwithstanding, this opener is as gleeful as the rest of the record, as Swift sings about being rescued from a descent into Shakespearian madness by her happy-go-lucky baller.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Despite being the spontaneous, happy-go-lucky friend in the group chat, saying yes to a friend’s get-together could lead to you accidentally having to be in three places at once.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
In the 1986 John Hughes film, Broderick portrayed Ferris Bueller, a happy-go-lucky high schooler who decides to take the day off, and magically has everything go his way.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
C J Doon, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026
Of course, title notwithstanding, this opener is as gleeful as the rest of the record, as Swift sings about being rescued from a descent into Shakespearian madness by her happy-go-lucky baller.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Despite being the spontaneous, happy-go-lucky friend in the group chat, saying yes to a friend’s get-together could lead to you accidentally having to be in three places at once.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
In the 1986 John Hughes film, Broderick portrayed Ferris Bueller, a happy-go-lucky high schooler who decides to take the day off, and magically has everything go his way.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy-go-lucky
Adjective
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This survival strategy has, coincidentally, resulted in some strains of bacteria being unaffected by certain antibiotics, drugs that trace their origins to natural compounds.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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The westbound lanes are unaffected.—
Michelle Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What makes the shoe so appealing is its nonchalant, slip-on-and-go versatility.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
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In the campaign, Waterhouse and Ramirez are shown in looks that channel Saint-Tropez’s nonchalant chic, styled by Emmanuelle Alt.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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,
21 Feb. 2026
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But exercise alone is unlikely to give you a more mellow personality—this is part of a big-picture approach to mental health.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Elizabeth was principled and compassionate while Jessica was carefree, outgoing and manipulative, and their clashes and crushes became a welcome distraction.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Antnation Boho Smocked Top Set This $37 boho set is a one-and-done spring travel outfit that’s dripping in carefree, vacation-ready style.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Plus, the casual dining setup makes life easy with little ones in tow.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
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In fact, even the full-size shuffleboard tables in the $100-$500 range aren’t built to last for more than a few years, which should still be enough for the casual/non-competitive level.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The name Dekopin in Japanese refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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In Japanese, the word refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This easygoing nature carries over to pruning, too.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Feb. 2026
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Keep your garden full of flavors with companion plants that are easygoing and follow the same maintenance plan.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But being on the outside has also forced the two men to reconsider the why of the US’ foreign policy, in a way that could resonate with listeners unconcerned with the intricacies of semiconductor sanctions or energy markets.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Hitters tend to struggle with hitting for power in the weeks and months following hamate surgery, but again, the Mets are unconcerned at the moment.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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