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as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor had a gay old time at the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gay contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gay are animated, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use animated instead of gay?

The words animated and gay can be used in similar contexts, but animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When might lively be a better fit than gay?

In some situations, the words lively and gay are roughly equivalent. However, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for gay?

While the synonyms sprightly and gay are close in meaning, sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When is vivacious a more appropriate choice than gay?

The synonyms vivacious and gay are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gay With her momentum, Irene is already laying a path to deliver what a gay prophecy once foretold: a Porkchop queen who dark horses her way to win All Stars. Chris Feil, Vulture, 9 May 2025 Black and gay actor Billy Porter, one of the world's most famed dandies, is reportedly banned from the affair after racial criticism of Wintour. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 7 May 2025 And then 10% of those men were gay and the other 10% were husbands. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025 Reid, who is openly gay, has denied the allegations and claimed he is being targeted for his sexuality. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
  • The newcomer enrolled in tap classes, and trained fastidiously with associate choreographer Rachelle Rak, figuring out how an animated siren might walk and stand.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This is her opportunity to step up into a more prominent role, and the quiet ONO is disappearing in favor of this, more animated and aggressive version.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • While a nonchalant approach might protect you from a heartbreak, there's no way to build real relationships without vulnerability and the risk of rejection, Robbins said.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • One video shows some of those on the boat maintaining a nonchalant attitude, with one man joking the vessel had hit an iceberg, Titanic-style.
    Jesse Kirsch, NBC news, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • And in the middle is a holiday associated with merry drinking and a centuries-old religious figure: St. Patrick's Day.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Not so merry Mary Nothing was ever easy for Mary this season.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the video was a group of dogs, and a professional dog walker managing the calm and cheerful pack, sitting beautifully for the camera.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • But for those with the skill and will to change theirs, the weather looks much brighter.
    John Readman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • But when done right, the whole room can seem brighter and more spacious.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • The montage also shows travel snaps from 2023, a cozy hug during a snowy getaway in 2024 and a joyful family beach day.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • Hamilton’s pastor described her as faithful, joyful, ready to help and a great mom, KOB4 reported.
    Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, for active and retired military members, a 10% military discount is available year-round.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Its mission is to empower voters and defend democracy through active engagement, education and advocacy.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Retiring from work isn’t always the carefree experience some might imagine.
    Chad Willardson, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Summer Stripes and Basket Bags The season brings forth a sense of nostalgia—sleepaway camp, family beach trips, and carefree moments spent outdoors.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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