1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
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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
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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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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gay
Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office in California, serving on the Sanfrisco Board of Supervisors from 1977 to 1978.
—
Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
That would require convincing the entire medical establishment — and challenging gay people’s own perceptions of themselves.
—Evan Brechtel, NBC news, 22 May 2025
The planetarium at Miami’s Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science will show special Pride laser shows with music from gay icons/allies Elton John, Lady Gaga, David Bowie and Queen.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
And, though Diller’s memoir recounts, sometimes movingly, his emergence as a gay man in a hostile world and details the long transition from old media to the internet, the book’s greatest pleasures are its lime chocolate bars.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
That would require convincing the entire medical establishment — and challenging gay people’s own perceptions of themselves.
—Evan Brechtel, NBC news, 22 May 2025
The planetarium at Miami’s Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science will show special Pride laser shows with music from gay icons/allies Elton John, Lady Gaga, David Bowie and Queen.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
And, though Diller’s memoir recounts, sometimes movingly, his emergence as a gay man in a hostile world and details the long transition from old media to the internet, the book’s greatest pleasures are its lime chocolate bars.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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Moreover, an animated Predator movie called Predator: Killer of Killers is coming to Hulu this summer.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
1 June 2025
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Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Throughout the book, ogling bystanders, nonchalant locals, and wannabes shooting their shot at stardom all add to the surrealist spectacle.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
23 May 2025
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Over the seasons, Tamburini has been offering sleek and sophisticated designs, yet with a modern touch, fluid shapes and a sort of nonchalant attitude.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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This merry, hour-long holiday extravaganza will be stacked with gifts for Bravo fans and feature a number of Yuletide Bravolebrity performances.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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Martin and his merry band of Coldplay troubadours – guitarist Jonny Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion – unleashed their infectious brand of rock May 31 on an adoring California crowd to kick off the final leg of a three year tour that wraps in London this September.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Here’s a cheerful fringed umbrella that looks a lot more expensive than its $72 price tag.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
6 June 2025
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Sparkling with Champagne-like bubbles, a bready, light body and a clean, faintly bitter finish, this cheerful beer is ideal for a sunny summer afternoon.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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While times are tough for recent college grads, the future looks bright for those with experience-building apprenticeships - especially in some trade roles where AI isn’t a threat.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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For the second time time in less than two weeks, Detroit was forced to send one its brightest young starting pitchers to the injured list.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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The couple — already the parents of two boys, Dutton, 4 in June, and Baker, 2½ — is now joyful about becoming a family of five in November.—
Nancy Kruh,
People.com,
30 May 2025
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Few things can bring such awe to adults who have already lived a full and eventful life, as very little can catch them off guard with a joyful revelation.—
Cathrine Todd,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Since the show's conclusion, Zoe has remained active in the fashion and lifestyle space, in part through her newsletter The Zoe Report, which launched in 2009.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
7 June 2025
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Action step: Practice active listening during meetings.—
Kent Ingle,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Her joyful, carefree attitude gave way to hypervigilance.—
Bram Sable-Smith,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
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As the defining cultural moment of not only the summer but of 2024 in general, Brat and its hedonistic aesthetic — authentic, messy and vulnerable with cigarettes, baby tees and neon green — helped set the stage for Rae’s confident and carefree pop evolution.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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