as in festivals
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something
attended the gala celebrating the reopening of the museum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 galas
From galas to film festivals and award shows, the couple has solidified their spot time and time again as one of the most gorgeous couples in Hollywood.
—
Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
The former couple attended a variety of events together, from races to movie premieres and charity galas—including the premiere of Pixar’s Cars 2 in 2011.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
Lucci attended all the Emmy galas, but didn't write a speech for all of them.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
For instance, DAFs cannot be used to buy tickets to galas or charitable events, which would be partially deductible if the taxpayer bought it directly from a charity, according to Perez.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Bessette-Kennedy favored practical shoes for moving through her neighborhood (walking the dog, running errands), reserving heels for galas and other more formal occasions.
—Julia Rabinowitsch, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
For those who followed her in magazines and galas, that period of mourning was also reflected in her closet.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 Jan. 2026
Not our secrets — not at galas!
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
Here are all the parties, galas, and events happening during Grammy Week 2026, which will be regularly updated with new events.
—Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
The former couple attended a variety of events together, from races to movie premieres and charity galas—including the premiere of Pixar’s Cars 2 in 2011.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
Lucci attended all the Emmy galas, but didn't write a speech for all of them.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
For instance, DAFs cannot be used to buy tickets to galas or charitable events, which would be partially deductible if the taxpayer bought it directly from a charity, according to Perez.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Bessette-Kennedy favored practical shoes for moving through her neighborhood (walking the dog, running errands), reserving heels for galas and other more formal occasions.
—Julia Rabinowitsch, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
For those who followed her in magazines and galas, that period of mourning was also reflected in her closet.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 Jan. 2026
Not our secrets — not at galas!
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
Here are all the parties, galas, and events happening during Grammy Week 2026, which will be regularly updated with new events.
—Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for galas
Noun
-
One of America's largest and longest-running music festivals is also one of the most musically diverse in the world.—
Piet Levy,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The film has screened at more than 15 festivals, including its premiere at SXSW 2025.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lunar New Year celebrations can prompt superstitious actions.—
CNN staff,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In the United States, however, the tradition shifted to Fat Tuesday, aligning with Mardi Gras celebrations and American work schedules.—
Vivian Richey,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The game — part of the NBA All-Star Weekend — saw GloRilla and various other celebs from the worlds of music, TV/film and sports kick off Friday’s evening’s festivities at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.—
Bob Mehr,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Buzelis will be the only Bulls representative at the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Galas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galas. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
