happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Synonyms of happiness
1
a
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy
b
: a pleasurable or satisfying experience
I wish you every happiness in life.
I had the happiness of seeing you—W. S. Gilbert
2
: felicity, aptness
a striking happiness of expression
3
obsolete : good fortune : prosperity
All happiness bechance to thee …—William Shakespeare

Synonyms of happiness

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Examples of happiness in a Sentence

They made a toast to long life and happiness. her happiness was complete when she got her very own house
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on adult life ever conducted, found that close relationships, not cholesterol or IQ, was a better predictor of health and happiness at 80. — Jan Gerber, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The dogs showed a stronger response to happiness compared with other emotions. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026 Pregnancy, like family happiness, is meant to look a certain way. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 But whatever is in store for their love story, in season four, Rodriguez and LaLonde want their characters to still find happiness within themselves. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happiness

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of happiness was in the 15th century

Rhymes for happiness

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Browse Nearby Words

happily
happiness
happy
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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

More from Merriam-Webster on happiness

Nglish: Translation of happiness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happiness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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