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
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.
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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
The New York City Ballet galas are famous, of course, for the performances by the dancers, but also for a blink-and-you-miss-it red carpet dash by Mick Jagger.
—Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 8 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
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
The New York City Ballet galas are famous, of course, for the performances by the dancers, but also for a blink-and-you-miss-it red carpet dash by Mick Jagger.
—Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 8 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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In that spirit, here are five smaller, more affordable summer music festivals on the Front Range that offer an alternative to big events — and possibly the most bang for your buck.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
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The festivals specialist, who nurtures close ties to Hollywood, revived Taormina’s competitive strands and brought major names such as Martin Scorsese to speak at the festival in her return year.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
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This year’s celebrations include main events in Los Angeles on June 14, Chicago on June 20 and 21, San Francisco on June 27 and New York on June 28.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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SoFlo Festivals, Fairs & Festivities gives you a monthly look ahead to celebrations throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Nantucket’s town/county government is still scheduled to hold its Independence Day festivities, with a fireworks display capping off the day-long celebration.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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The city has added another option, likely aimed at local attendees who would like to drive and park during the soccer celebration festivities.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Galas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galas. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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