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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Recent Examples of galas
Since opening in the 7th arrondissement in 2000, Chauvin Paris’ founder Éric Chauvin has risen to the fore with his creations for Dior fashion shows and galas at the Opéra Garnier.
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Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
Over the course of a week and half, the fest offers a mind-boggling selection of feature films (118 in all, including a record 103 world premieres), short films, television shows, galas, talks, podcast recordings, and even a Vulture Festival at the Tribeca Festival.
—Jason Bailey, Vulture, 27 May 2026
Luckily, similar to recent amfAR galas here, the weather fitted like long sleeve satin gloves.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 May 2026
Newsome hosted 10 years of galas for Rose Brooks Center, a domestic violence shelter.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
Beyond concerts and other shows, the event space will also be available for weddings, galas and more, according to the company’s news release.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Keep reading to see how eight Vogue editors dress for springtime galas.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Simone Ashley stunned in Moschino and Prabal Gurung at the 2022 and 2024 galas, respectively.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Bella Hadid, a model who has attended multiple previous galas, liked a video on Instagram calling out celebrities who plan to attend this year’s gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, according to Forbes.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 4 May 2026
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
Over the course of a week and half, the fest offers a mind-boggling selection of feature films (118 in all, including a record 103 world premieres), short films, television shows, galas, talks, podcast recordings, and even a Vulture Festival at the Tribeca Festival.
—Jason Bailey, Vulture, 27 May 2026
Luckily, similar to recent amfAR galas here, the weather fitted like long sleeve satin gloves.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 May 2026
Newsome hosted 10 years of galas for Rose Brooks Center, a domestic violence shelter.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
Beyond concerts and other shows, the event space will also be available for weddings, galas and more, according to the company’s news release.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Keep reading to see how eight Vogue editors dress for springtime galas.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Simone Ashley stunned in Moschino and Prabal Gurung at the 2022 and 2024 galas, respectively.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Bella Hadid, a model who has attended multiple previous galas, liked a video on Instagram calling out celebrities who plan to attend this year’s gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, according to Forbes.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for galas
Noun
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But don’t miss a costume ball at the Library of Congress, tall ships in Alexandria, multiple film festivals, a taste of Sweden on the National Mall, block parties, wine tastings and a Friday night tribute to the Warped Tour — also in town this weekend.—
Fritz Hahn,
Washington Post,
11 June 2026
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While some of the city’s other historic sites don’t currently bring in any revenue, Independence City Manager Troy Anderson said in April, custodial societies at both the Vaile and Bingham-Waggoner properties run frequent tours and throw summer festivals.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 11,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Noun
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For the first time since joining international competition, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, marking a milestone achievement for the nation's soccer program and sparking celebrations among Jordanians around the world.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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Particularly when those celebrations involve more grandiose demonstrations of patriotism, or are organized by someone who doesn't share their political ideology or belief system.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
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We’re thrilled that Walt Disney World will serve as the immersive setting for a Hallmark holiday movie highlighting the cheerful festivities of the season.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
7 Dec. 2025
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Viewing areas will offer special festive food and beverage menus and family-friendly holiday festivities, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games and Santa.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Galas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galas. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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