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
There will be galas, dinners, concerts, and a ribbon cutting with all the local political bigwigs.
—
Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026
With less than 75 days until the 2026 Kentucky Derby, Louisville is in high gear, from Churchill Downs renovations to hat designers, celebrity galas and more.
—Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Feb. 2026
Sometimes the location is a bar, other times at restaurants that have participated in Mainly Mozart’s fundraising galas.
—Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
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
Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026
With less than 75 days until the 2026 Kentucky Derby, Louisville is in high gear, from Churchill Downs renovations to hat designers, celebrity galas and more.
—Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Feb. 2026
Sometimes the location is a bar, other times at restaurants that have participated in Mainly Mozart’s fundraising galas.
—Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for galas
Noun
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There’s also a genius carry-on backpack for minimalists that could totally replace your suitcase, and a sleek mini sling bag that’s perfect for festivals, city wandering, or just keeping your essentials close and secure.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
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But there are plenty of other film festivals in Colorado, from Oscar-bait showcases and mini-fests to touring, niche and genre-specific events that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, the LGBTQ community, and horror fans — sometimes all at once.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The visit comes shortly after the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, an event that sparked celebrations at El Arepazo and throughout Doral's large Venezuelan-American population.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Here in South Florida, Chai Lifeline Southeast offers programs and services like retreats, volunteer opportunities and holiday celebrations, including their annual Purim bowling bash.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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Yesica Aramburo traveled on vacation to Mexico in April 2017 for the festivities in her Mexican family’s town of La Moncada, Guanajuato, in the center of the country.—
Karen Esquivel,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Galas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galas. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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