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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of galas
His Windsor home has been the setting for countless lavish parties and galas over the decades, many of which benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
—
Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
The venue has hosted a slew of high-profile galas, corporate events, fashion shows, product launches, immersive experiences and social celebrations.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Lustrous, plush versions are made for galas and black-tie soirées, while a ’90s-style mini feels sleek and of-the-moment.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025
Better known for its sunnier festival galas at Cannes and Venice, amfAR lands in London for the first time on Friday night with a dinner and auction at the Chancery Rosewood hotel and local girl Joely Richardson on hosting duties.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Johnson is a familiar face at the LFF, having screened his two previous Knives Out flicks as festival galas; however, the wider LFF lineup, the third pieced together by BFI Festivals Director Kristy Matheson, is anything but safe.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Van Dyke clearly has done something right, making it to 99 years old and staying spry enough to attend buzzy charity galas and become a verified gym bro.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
Krewes being the social organizations whose members build floats and create costumes and host the parades, parties and galas that make up Mardi Gras, but also holidays like Christmas, Easter and Halloween.
—Jenny Adams, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Photographing stars from David Harbor to Sarah Michelle Gellar, Young was a familiar face at Hollywood premieres, galas and awards show red carpets.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
The venue has hosted a slew of high-profile galas, corporate events, fashion shows, product launches, immersive experiences and social celebrations.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Lustrous, plush versions are made for galas and black-tie soirées, while a ’90s-style mini feels sleek and of-the-moment.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025
Better known for its sunnier festival galas at Cannes and Venice, amfAR lands in London for the first time on Friday night with a dinner and auction at the Chancery Rosewood hotel and local girl Joely Richardson on hosting duties.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Johnson is a familiar face at the LFF, having screened his two previous Knives Out flicks as festival galas; however, the wider LFF lineup, the third pieced together by BFI Festivals Director Kristy Matheson, is anything but safe.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Van Dyke clearly has done something right, making it to 99 years old and staying spry enough to attend buzzy charity galas and become a verified gym bro.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
Krewes being the social organizations whose members build floats and create costumes and host the parades, parties and galas that make up Mardi Gras, but also holidays like Christmas, Easter and Halloween.
—Jenny Adams, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Photographing stars from David Harbor to Sarah Michelle Gellar, Young was a familiar face at Hollywood premieres, galas and awards show red carpets.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for galas
Noun
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The Town of Addison has officially canceled Taste Addison, ending a three‑decade run for one of North Texas' most recognizable food and music festivals.—
Robbie Owens,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
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The film has traveled really well in festivals this year and won great awards.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Queen Mary of Denmark’s velvet look was a stark shift from her New Year’s Day celebrations ensemble, also featuring pieces by Høvring.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
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City commissioners showed interest in implementing drone shows for its Fourth of July Spectacular and New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown celebrations, possibly in lieu of traditional fireworks in the future.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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On September 27, the Goop founder got all dressed up for her birthday festivities in Portofino, Italy.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Playing into the formal black-tie feel of the night, Meghan Markle rolled up to the festivities wearing a demure—but very chic—black ensemble.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Galas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galas. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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