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

However, developing specialized buoyant materials, underwater conduits, and anti-corrosive gear come with a premium price tag. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

The buoyant 808s ping-pong back and forth, sounding like an aquatic marching band ushering in a deep-sea championship team. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

By moving familiar poses into the buoyant support of a pool, this gentler variation offers many of yoga's physical and mental benefits while also placing less stress on the body. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Spending has held up, in large part due to persistently low unemployment and a buoyant stock market that has boosted household wealth for many. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 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