variants
also gayety
1
as in attire
dressy clothing
attendees of the masquerade ball arrived dressed in all their gaiety
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in festivity
joyful or festive activity
loved the gaiety of the annual harvest festival the gaiety of the wedding reception
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cheerfulness
a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter
the gaiety of children enjoying an outing at an amusement park
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gaiety
Brooding in the historical background are the plantations, the vexed issue of where the money comes from that underwrites all this charm, these impeccable manners, this unsteady gaiety.
—
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
For Godard, humor is performative, not just a way of getting a laugh but of getting a rise—or of setting the clock back and imposing a boyish gaiety on the stern responsibilities of adults.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2025
The opening Allegro vacillates between punchy jabs and fluttery gaiety.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
His formidable rich voice voice always carried the gaiety of a comic opera basso.
—John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gaiety
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
For Godard, humor is performative, not just a way of getting a laugh but of getting a rise—or of setting the clock back and imposing a boyish gaiety on the stern responsibilities of adults.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2025
The opening Allegro vacillates between punchy jabs and fluttery gaiety.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
His formidable rich voice voice always carried the gaiety of a comic opera basso.
—John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gaiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaiety
Noun
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If the dress code calls for true beachy or vacation attire, the Jaylah Strapless Midi Dress from Lulus looks like a wavy, ocean-like print that will blend in perfectly on the shore.—
Anna Popp,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Before long, smitten cast members, including Sarah Sherman and a cameraman wearing an I (Heart) Harry shirt who kept focusing on Styles, proved too much for Gosling, who called off a big song and dance number featuring most of the cast in silver space attire.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The looming court decision cast a shadow over the weekend festivities.—
Kim Chandler,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
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In typical provincial fashion, these four days of festivities include crafts, great food, bluegrass music, and an opportunity to visit sugar camps, where sap is boiled down into delightfully rich syrup.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2026
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Raines replied, her usual cheerfulness stepping up a notch.—
Rebecca Boone,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Netflix also released a brief teaser for The Hawk with Ferrell in his early aughts finery.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Mar. 2026
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Guests, including model Isobel Richmond, ballet dancer Anna Rose O’Sullivan and Lady Amelia Windsor, showed up in full McDowell finery to support.—
Violet Goldstone,
Footwear News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Pinch-hitter Logan Wade followed with a game-ending popout to Moon, and the first baseman threw his glove high in celebration.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Faith observances during historic milestones Trump isn’t the only president to discuss religion during a major milestone celebration.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert could not contain his glee.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
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The former Nuggets guard danced around Ball Arena with glee throughout a 6-for-7 shooting game and was even bold enough to confront 7-footer Jonas Valanciunas after taking exception to a foul.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
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And when Martha slips into costume designer Brenna Maienschein’s form-fitting leopard-print dress, her predatory strategy to seduce Nick as the final flank maneuver against her husband becomes clear.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The finale is an ambiguous mix of jollity and agitation, with a piccolo shrieking above a militant march.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Winston Peacock’s Ghost of Christmas Present is especially winning with decidedly John Belushi-esque jollity.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gaiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaiety. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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