What is a better word than pleased?

It depends on the context and the level of emotion you want to convey. Here are some options, ranging from mild to strong:

Mild:

* Content

* Satisfied

* Delighted

* Gratified

* Glad

* Happy

* Amused

* Cheerful

Strong:

* Thrilled

* Elated

* Ecstatic

* Jubilant

* Overjoyed

* Rapturous

* Enraptured

* Exhilarated

Other possibilities:

* Formal: Fulfilled, gratified, contented, satisfied, agreeable

* Informal: Tickled pink, over the moon, stoked, beaming

* Specific: Proud, relieved, grateful, impressed, inspired

Consider these questions:

* What is the context? Is it a formal or informal situation?

* What is the intensity of the emotion? Are they mildly happy or over the moon?

* What is the specific reason for their happiness? This might suggest a more precise word.

For example, if someone is happy about a promotion, you might say they are thrilled or elated. If they are just happy with the weather, content or pleased might suffice.