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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

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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

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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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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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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
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • David helped with a connection with Garner Holt Productions, which designs animated figures, show systems and special effects for major theme parks worldwide.
    — Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • Then Gurov takes that famous bite of watermelon, a metaphor for what has just happened and his nonchalant reaction to it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Zizou Bergs Zizou Bergs served nonchalant-cool boy vibes upon his arrival to New York City for the US Open, rocking an oversized charcoal graphic tee from Golden Goose paired with voluminous black trousers and his personalized Golden Goose shoes.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • The hotel itself is staffed by a small but merry cadre of Lost Boys whose endearing mix of irreverence and can-doism gives the hotel its cool, devil-may-care personality.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Rounding up his merry men of Sherwood Forest, and his Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland), Robin goes about resisting John’s rule and securing Richard’s throne.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • Peter Max, whose cheerful graphic images helped define 1960s hippie and Summer of Love culture, has died at age 88, reports The New York Times.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • But poll respondents weren’t particularly cheerful about the ideas of Democrats either, or of Democratic Socialists, who have been much in the news of late.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • In the first few photos, the human rights activist could be seen wearing a breezy bright yellow sleeveless sundress, which featured a ruched crew neckline and a polarizing bubble bodice silhouette.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • California light pollution map To show just how bright California’s night sky has grown, The Bee modeled where skies are brighter at night across the Golden State.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • And please remember that a joyful classroom is not an unserious classroom.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Then Jesus appears and leads them through a joyful summer day of parables and prayer, in a New York City otherwise devoid of people.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of joyful
Adjective
  • The smart money was on the colorful, energetic Sinclair with a ready answer and the catchy acronym.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
  • But the last two decades have been filled with challenges for McClatchy, whose chain of newspapers across the Central Valley and beyond was once known for its energetic journalism and independent streak.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • Their bouncy attitudes inevitably mold the vast open country in their own carefree image.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • From spatulas, spoons, and salad forks to tongs, ladles, and measuring cups, shop our favorite plastic-free kitchen utensils below for carefree cooking.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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