How to Use Copacetic (Definition, Examples & Worksheet)
Copacetic (an adjective, pronounced like koh-puh-seh-tik) describes something as "very satisfactory", "excellent", or "in excellent order". If something is going well, you can say it's copacetic. Though it's less common today, some have argued that the word is informal, or was originally slang, and to avoid its use in formal writing.
Copacetic, copasetic, or copesetic?
An idiosyncrasy of the adj. is its various associated spellings, like copasetic and copesetic. Merriam-Webster, for example, lists copasetic and copesetic as variant spellings, though qualifies that these are less common than the spelling 'copacetic'.
Most dictionaries recognize copacetic as the proper spelling. Likewise, we recommend sticking with 'copacetic' in practice. In conversation, copacetic often appears as part of the phrase, 'everything's copacetic', or 'it's all copacetic', usually to try and assure someone that things are all good, and not to worry.
Example sentences: copacetic
He said to tell you everything is copacetic.
Don't worry—I assure you that everything's copacetic.
I was worried the concert was going badly, but my friend's assured me all was totally copacetic.
Quotes from the media
But things weren't always so copacetic between the famous dad and his comedy-loving daughter.
— Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022
Since Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt announced their breakup in 2016, things haven't exactly been copacetic between the former spouses.
— Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 2 Feb. 2021
Not everything has been copacetic since the acquisition, however.
— Wired, 13 Nov. 2019
But for the most part, usually because there’s alcohol around, everything’s copacetic.
— Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024
In terms of living standards we’re now back to where we started which while not making us entirely copacetic is at least better than not having recovered as yet. —Forbes
Synonyms & phrases
| Synonym | Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ok | the life of Riley | An expression meaning a luxurious, carefree life. |
| alright | a Primrose path | A path of ease or pleasure and especially sensual pleasure. |
| agreeable | Hog heaven | An extremely satisfying state or situation. |
| excellent | beer and skittles | A relaxing or easy situation. |
| fine | hunky-dory | Everything is fine; a situation that is satisfactory or pleasant. |
| good | easy street | A situation of comfort and financial security. |
| great | a picnic | An easy, enjoyable situation or task. |
| outstanding | the lap of luxury | Living in conditions of great comfort and wealth. |
Word origin
The origin for 'copacetic' is obscure, and there are competing theories on how the word came to be. Both OED and Merriam-Webster state its earliest recorded use was from 1919 in the novel, A Man for the Ages, by the author Irving Bacheller, chronicling the life of Abraham Lincoln as a young man in rural Illinois.
Subsequent theories on the word's origin have suggested it may be of Yiddish or Hebrew origin, from the Herbrew phrase, ''hakol beseder'' ("all is in order") or 'kol be sedher', ('all good' and 'everything's good'). The Hebrew association has since been debunked, yet other etymological hypotheses have also been raised, such as Creole French, Italian, and Chinook.
Sources
“Life of Riley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20of%20Riley. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024
Yash, D. "How to Use Copacetic (Definition, Examples & Worksheet)." Grammarflex, Aug 13, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/copacetic/.
