gay

adjective

ˈgā How to pronounce gay (audio)
Definition of gaynext
1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or trouble a gay, thoughtless girl who didn't care whether her work was done or not

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in cheerful
having or showing a good mood or disposition with a gay toss of his coat over his shoulder, the dapper old gentleman set off for the party

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bright
serving to lift one's spirits the skylark's gay song lifted me out of my gloom

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in joyful
joyously unrestrained it was the era of the flappers, and young women were gay, bold, and defiant of convention

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. animated
  2. nonchalant
  3. merry
  4. cheerful
  5. bright
  6. joyful
  7. energetic
  8. carefree
Adjective
  • Liam got started in Hollywood as a young actor and has voiced animated characters in films such as Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) and GOAT (2026).
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • The three episodes of this outstanding series that were made available cements the claim that some of the most creative animated storytelling is being generated from anime.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • After William and Kate were so nonchalant, staff turned to historical clippings about how to proceed, according to Myers.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 22 July 2026
  • The nonchalant stadium style Victoria Beckham embraced while rooting for England’s national team was at times an attraction in itself.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 19 July 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • Four hundred years later, a merry band of scientists and entrepreneurs of mind-altering intoxicants are plunging even deeper into the diabolical by mechanizing DMT’s delivery via IV syringe pumps.
    — Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026
  • No decision fatigue or awkward conversations to be had; the more, the merrier, baby!
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • On April 24, a 54-year-old male had a cardiac emergency on the attraction, a gentle boat ride that floats by scenes featuring cheerful puppets.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Our supervisors are paid FIFA employees who manage to maintain a cheerful outlook under what are sometimes stressful conditions.
    — Eric Nager, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • The resulting cocktail is viscerally refreshing, juicy, and bright, but also deeply flavored and complex.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
  • The fragrance opens with bright neroli and sunny marigold before settling into warm cedarwood, creating a scent that feels fresh, warm, and effortlessly sophisticated.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 July 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • At their best, joyful and generative, with an infectious appetite for life.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Introducing his staff to an editorial process has been, by Cook’s account, a joyful one in its own right.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Definition of joyful
Adjective
  • Munda, 19, has intermittently trained with the seniors over the past couple of seasons and the energetic midfielder is primed for a loan move in the new season.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • In his view, our cognition, mood, and conscious experience reflect deeper energetic processes — down to the subcellular level.
    — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • Others might have been overwhelmed by such a daunting challenge, but Serrajordi approached it with the positive, carefree attitude of a younger generation, similar to Lamine Yamal, Lopez or Pau Cubarsi.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Summer used to be a carefree time for vacations and camping in the United States.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of carefree
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.

Browse Nearby Words

gawps
gay
gayness
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Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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