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
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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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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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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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But, because animated films can take a long time to complete, the movie isn’t expected to release until 2029.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
6 Nov. 2025 -
Awards were given out across 33 categories, with winners in the narrative, documentary, and animated shorts categories achieving Oscar eligibility.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Jordan Marshall isn’t nonchalant about anything.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Backing the nonchalant trio were multiple percussionists on wind chimes, congas, shakers, and more, as well as backup singers, a bassist, and an additional guitarist.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But don’t let the tragic tale color your impression of the Park; during the holidays its annual Christmas at the Falls event transforms the area into one of the merriest and brightest spots around.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
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To usher in the return of all things merry and bright, Dunkin' is integrating a handful of new items to its holiday menu.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Cheeky faux finishes played a big part in realizing that vision, as did cheerful color washing.—
Elizabeth Kiefer,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
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The account has already attracted over 63,000 followers, many of whom originally believed the cheerful residents were real.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Junkaroo, a kaleidoscopic, centuries-old street parade rooted in West African traditions and a joyful window into Bahamian heritage.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
7 Nov. 2025
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Coming back to this joyful city to be honored is a very precious moment.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Raja’s energetic narration is relentlessly funny, even (or especially) when it’s turned to dark or disturbing events from his past.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
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But Isaacman has also garnered broad support within the commercial space industry, where he’s perceived as an energetic outsider ready to usher NASA into a new era.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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And because nandinas are evergreen, this carefree plant brightens the landscape all year long.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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The oversized fit creates a casual, carefree look that’ll keep you comfortable from the airport to your destination, and it’s even made with a heavyweight organic cotton fabric that’ll remain warm and insulating throughout the winter.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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