1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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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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
-
The animated series is run by Brad Walsh and Paul Corrigan, who ran the live-action series with me.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026 -
That call will depend on your kid's maturity level and tolerance for animated violence.—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
No doubt that playful warmth played a part in him being cast as Luffy, a hilariously nonchalant, yet utterly sincere would-be pirate.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
To be so nonchalant about that.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Many movies tried to recreate its magic mixture, including some of its own sequels, but few achieved the merry concoction of frights, gore, and giggles that Craven handled so masterfully.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The atmosphere was noisy in a good way, with merry patrons having a good time.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Creeping phlox is a great choice for edging, rock walls, or slopes, and will brighten any garden with its abundance of cheerful pastel blooms.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Daisies look more cute and cheerful than ever when paired with green cat-eye polish.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Points of bright-eyed inspiration.—
Jason LeCras,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Would the girl with the bright smile have been embarrassed by her love Stitch as a teen?—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Focus on learning things that excite you to keep the process joyful.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
While the figure skater has become known for her carefree and joyful persona, she has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight, which has brought some unwelcome attention.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Buffey is described as an energetic and dedicated special education teacher who brings enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The deployment of Lewis O’Brien and Ollie Rathbone, playing as an energetic pair of No 10s behind the equally-mobile Sam Smith up front suited this intent wonderfully.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While the figure skater has become known for her carefree and joyful persona, she has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight, which has brought some unwelcome attention.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
-
And while there was something magical about each of these journeys—because road trips are inherently spontaneous, whimsical, and (well) carefree—one really stood out.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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