Definition of gaynext
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as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor had a gay old time at the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gay contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gay are animated, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use animated instead of gay?

The words animated and gay can be used in similar contexts, but animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When might lively be a better fit than gay?

In some situations, the words lively and gay are roughly equivalent. However, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for gay?

While the synonyms sprightly and gay are close in meaning, sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When is vivacious a more appropriate choice than gay?

The synonyms vivacious and gay are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
  • Google suggests using the AI tools in Vids to create animated party flyers, business sizzle reels, or a video greeting card.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The popularity of the cards led to the creation of a toy line, which then spurred animated TV specials and, eventually, a TV series.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fagen’s nonchalant cameo, though, got the Steely Dan community in a tizzy.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Scott inflicts Ohm’s nonchalant meanness with a piercingly perverse matter-of-factness that places the character as far away as possible from the realm of likeability.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mau's reckless band of merry men inevitably leave a trail of bodies in their wake, leading police captain Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) to investigate the criminal takeover of Janix.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Petrie, Doz and Morrow play multiple roles, including a gossipy Greek chorus and the band of merry fisherman (truly an astonishing array of Canadian accent work on display).
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Security grows as the emotional Moon in your 2nd House of Production trines cheerful Jupiter in your 10th House of Gains.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
  • For a cheerful addition to your front door that looks warm and welcoming, look no further than this wreath.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The ground floor is almost entirely devoted to the bright main restaurant and bar.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Situated on a parcel of what was once bright-green Iowa pasture, our supercomputing facility may not look like much.
    Jed Feiman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And Crump never seemed all that joyful on the court.
    Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Cotten, who had already established herself as a force vocally, stepped forward and matched him energy for energy, the two of them bouncing off each other with a kind of loose, joyful chaos.
    Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Outside of work, Porter loves to spend time with his wife and very energetic 2 year old son.
    Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Smith was bubbly and energetic, loved by her family and friends at Highland Park Academy, Maddox said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Think saturated makeup, carefree styling, and an unapologetic embrace of all things vintage.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Since its founding, Vilebrequin has built its identity around a vision of beach life that blends color, craft, and a certain carefree French Riviera attitude.
    John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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