Definitions

happiness

[hap-ee-nis] / ˈhæp i nɪs /

NOUN

high spirits, satisfaction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bliss contentment delight elation enjoyment euphoria exhilaration glee joy jubilation laughter optimism peace of mind pleasure prosperity well-being

STRONG

beatitude blessedness cheer cheerfulness content delectation delirium ecstasy enchantment exuberance felicity gaiety geniality gladness hilarity hopefulness joviality lightheartedness merriment mirth paradise playfulness rejoicing sanctity vivacity

WEAK

cheeriness eudemonia good cheer good humor good spirits seventh heaven

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depression despair discouragement displeasure dissatisfaction gloom melancholy misery pain sadness sorrow trouble unhappiness upset woe worry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor has had the biggest impact in the way I view my work as a CPA in public accounting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

Buddhist-majority Bhutan, squeezed between giants India and China, champions a policy of prioritising "Gross National Happiness" over growth.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Americans’ happiness ranking fell to a record low in Gallup’s World Happiness Report this year.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

However, they remained together, recording their fifth album, Happiness Not Included, during the 2020 Covid lockdown.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

After a little silence, “Sometimes,” he added, “I rather regret the science. Happiness is a hard master—particularly other people’s happiness. A much harder master, if one isn’t conditioned to accept it unquestioningly, than truth.”

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Vocabulary lists containing happiness

President Obama's second inaugural address

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #12

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ness

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!