1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or trouble
a gay, thoughtless girl who didn't care whether her work was done or not
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
had a gay old time at the party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in cheerful
having or showing a good mood or disposition
with a gay toss of his coat over his shoulder, the dapper old gentleman set off for the party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bright
serving to lift one's spirits
the skylark's gay song lifted me out of my gloom
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6
as in joyful
joyously unrestrained
it was the era of the flappers, and young women were gay, bold, and defiant of convention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gay
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the nation’s anti-discrimination laws apply equally to all employees, regardless of whether those complaining of bias are white or Black, gay or straight.
—
David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
His work significantly impacted gay culture and shaped the understanding of LGBTQ experiences during the early AIDS crisis and beyond.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 June 2025
Lopez plays Ingrid Luna, aka Aurora, aka the Spider Woman, a movie star about whom a gay Argentinian prisoner fantasizes.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 5 June 2025
Feng added that Lin's parents were allegedly pressuring him to marry a woman and didn't know that Lin was gay and in a romantic relationship with him.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
His work significantly impacted gay culture and shaped the understanding of LGBTQ experiences during the early AIDS crisis and beyond.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 June 2025
Lopez plays Ingrid Luna, aka Aurora, aka the Spider Woman, a movie star about whom a gay Argentinian prisoner fantasizes.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 5 June 2025
Feng added that Lin's parents were allegedly pressuring him to marry a woman and didn't know that Lin was gay and in a romantic relationship with him.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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The United Kingdom, for instance, offers a 25.5% tax rebate on 80% of a production’s expenditures in the UK, with higher rebates for animated and independent films.—
Ali Martin,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 June 2025
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For all his success in the animated realm, DeBlois has never directed a live-action film until now.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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The season’s top accessories reflect summer’s playful attitude with capsules and designs that balance nonchalant ease with an energetic and joyful spirit.—
Madeline Fass,
Vogue,
3 June 2025
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In fact, Hope’s own nonchalant attitude inspired her to share the truth.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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This merry, hour-long holiday extravaganza will be stacked with gifts for Bravo fans and feature a number of Yuletide Bravolebrity performances.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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Martin and his merry band of Coldplay troubadours – guitarist Jonny Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion – unleashed their infectious brand of rock May 31 on an adoring California crowd to kick off the final leg of a three year tour that wraps in London this September.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Sparkling with Champagne-like bubbles, a bready, light body and a clean, faintly bitter finish, this cheerful beer is ideal for a sunny summer afternoon.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
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Here’s a cheerful fringed umbrella that looks a lot more expensive than its $72 price tag.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The Princess wore a bright aquamarine woollen dress coat with ivory lapels and cuffs by Catherine Walker—a designer favored by Kate Middleton as much as Princess Diana—as well as wide-brimmed matching hat with a sculptural motif by Juliette Botterill.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 June 2025
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The dress featured white block trims against the bright blue.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Footwear News,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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The same dog who once could barely walk now bounds across the shelter yard with joyful energy.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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Handmade Affirmation Cards The most straightforward way to send yourself a joyful message is through a positive affirmation, and the ones that resonate the most are highly personal.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Since the show's conclusion, Zoe has remained active in the fashion and lifestyle space, in part through her newsletter The Zoe Report, which launched in 2009.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
7 June 2025
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Action step: Practice active listening during meetings.—
Kent Ingle,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Her joyful, carefree attitude gave way to hypervigilance.—
Bram Sable-Smith,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
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As the defining cultural moment of not only the summer but of 2024 in general, Brat and its hedonistic aesthetic — authentic, messy and vulnerable with cigarettes, baby tees and neon green — helped set the stage for Rae’s confident and carefree pop evolution.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
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