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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

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

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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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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
  • But that’s all to the good for this rare example of original animated storytelling in a sea of IP and sequels.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • Just a rugged man in a stream There is, of course, nothing nonchalant about the exchange.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • This is a place where adults make the pilgrimage to the legendary Pinto Ron and Pizza Pete tailgate spot in the Hammer Lot where Pinto Ron's team of merry pranksters pour shots of liquor into a bowling ball finger hole.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • The silverware and crisp cotton napkins are paired with cheerful local ceramic tableware.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Though the small living movement is trending toward larger and more luxurious homes in general, there are still cheap and cheerful tiny houses out there.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • The Full Moon in your sign puts your identity, desires, and personal direction under a bright light, making old compromises harder to maintain automatically.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Alternatively, brighter whites and traditionally summery pieces can instantly feel autumnal when paired with moodier shades like maroon and olive green.
    — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Gianvito Rossi put on a cool, fun cocktail party to present its new collection of joyful shoes that reimagined some of its most iconic styles, as the brand celebrates 20 years.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan’s joyful performance gives the track a loose but powerful energy that never stops moving.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of joyful
Adjective
  • In the current Mexican scene, Emjay is one of the best live performers, known for her energetic and emotional shows.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This is the most energetic and exciting premiere of Survivor in a long time.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • The song celebrates the beauty of one’s native land and the innocence and carefree spirit of childhood.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Their bouncy attitudes inevitably mold the vast open country in their own carefree image.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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