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
  • Researchers have long wondered why some people develop these reactions while others seem to skate by unaffected.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Today, Putin follows essentially the same model, seeking to erode allies’ confidence in NATO’s Article 5 by relying on tactics that fall below the threshold of a conventional warfare and leave unaffected members hesitant to respond.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Textures contributed in telegraphing the nonchalant approach to dressing that defines the brand.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 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
  • Warm yet uplifting with a strong hit of black tea, Still Bloom's cardomom, sesame, and orange top notes hit like a shot of caffeine before dissipating into a mellow, comforting underbelly of musk, rose and cedarwood, to name a few.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The first mile is pretty mellow, but this moderate trail features several switchbacks.
    — Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • The song celebrates the beauty of one’s native land and the innocence and carefree spirit of childhood.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Their bouncy attitudes inevitably mold the vast open country in their own carefree image.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • This most recent collection from McCartney features a massive array of differing styles ranging from casual to chic and formal, with Stern’s choice of the elegant bodice an excellent one for the Albie Awards.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Physicality presents technical challenges to audio recording, and wit—primarily achievable by coming up with lots of ideas in advance—quickly becomes alienating in a casual setting.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • Double Standard, the ground-floor bar, is a go-to for late-night drinks and a hip crowd, while the rooftop draws a steady stream of creatives with its panoramic cityscapes and lighthearted cocktails (in keeping with its stateside locations).
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fazio, who remains unknown to a significant portion of the electorate, is running several lighthearted ads with a dual purpose of raising his profile and criticizing the governor.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • Its bright instrumentation and warm, easygoing rhythm make the track an uplifting addition with an unmistakable sense of place.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The soft pink shade acts as an easygoing neutral that will go with everything, but still provide a nice wash of color.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • Unmoored, often ill with tuberculosis, and in and out of hospitals, Leigh valiantly continued to work, seemingly unconcerned about her precarious health.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Feldstein and Einhorn seemed unconcerned about disrupting relations with Egypt, Israel’s most important peace partner in the region.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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