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
Relevance
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
Pullman’s performance is a fascinating mix of happy-go-lucky and corrosively disappointed.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
The left winger is usually a relaxed, happy-go-lucky persona around the Leafs dressing room.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Instead, the board opts for the happy-go-lucky concert attendee kicking back a beer or two as its foil to scary THC use.
—Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
The left winger is usually a relaxed, happy-go-lucky persona around the Leafs dressing room.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Instead, the board opts for the happy-go-lucky concert attendee kicking back a beer or two as its foil to scary THC use.
—Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy-go-lucky
Adjective
-
The electronic poll books were unaffected by the flood and didn’t need to be replaced.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Such data could yield a more precise way to measure lightning power unaffected by obscuring clouds.—
Charles Q. Choi,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Scott inflicts Ohm’s nonchalant meanness with a piercingly perverse matter-of-factness that places the character as far away as possible from the realm of likeability.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Margot Robbie’s understanding of the assignment is evident, her fringe frame coupled with a low and loosely bound ponytail (another hallmark of the nonchalant set).—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The members consistently acknowledge that this lead single is a mellower departure from their usual style; when RM reflects in a meeting that the song feels a bit low in energy, Jung Kook says the entire track feels that way.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Leeks are sturdy enough to survive winter frosts, sprouting with a gradation of green colors and a mellow flavor all their own.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The surf-and-turf destination is purpose-built for breezy evenings and a carefree retirement.—
Elazar Sontag,
Washington Post,
26 Mar. 2026
-
On my headphones plays the music of Gilberto Gil, upbeat and carefree.—
Stephanie Rafanelli,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The sport is still years away from drawing the casual fan to the arena.—
Mac Engel
March 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
It’s built for casual listening virtually anywhere, including the park, the beach, or at home, and offers up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Finally, pickles have also found a unique niche in American humor, becoming a symbol of quirky, lighthearted fun.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But the lighthearted tone gave way to a broader warning about a growing criminal trend.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The service The service style at 1 Hotel Tokyo is easygoing and never stuffy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
-
After the opening of their downtown Bleecker Street location, this move uptown feels like a natural evolution—bridging easygoing California elegance with a sense of East Coast prim and polish.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
She is tormented by the fact that the june bug seems entirely unconcerned about becoming bait or being deported.—
María Ospina,
The Dial,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Coach Cori Close seemed unconcerned with the slight.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
