buoyant

adjective

buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt 

ˈbü-yənt

: having buoyancy

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.

: such as

a

: capable of floating

Cork is naturally buoyant.

b

: cheerful, gay

in a buoyant mood

c

: capable of maintaining a satisfactorily high level

a buoyant economy

buoyantly adverb

Synonyms of buoyant

• cheerful
• optimistic
• bright

Examples of buoyant in a Sentence

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.

The actors were buoyant as they prepared for the evening's performance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Traders remained in a buoyant mood after news that the two sides had paused their conflict, which had sent energy costs soaring and stoked inflation. — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 22 June 2026

The waste gases produced by bacteria build up in the whale’s tissues and make the carcass buoyant enough to float on the surface of the open ocean for a time. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026

Earthfoam’s Organic Mattress is a smart pick for anyone who wants a more eco-friendly mattress with a buoyant latex feel. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026

In March, during their final match in Uzbekistan before the World Cup, the atmosphere was loud, buoyant and joyous. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for buoyant

• clairvoyant
• flamboyant

Kids Definition

buoyant

adjective

buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt 

ˈbü-yənt

1

: having buoyancy

especially : capable of floating

2

: being in a happy mood : cheerful

buoyantly adverb