1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
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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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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Annecy, which was established as a bi-annual event in 1960 and shifted to a yearly event in 1998, hosts a main competition every year, with roughly 10 or so animated films of all types — from 2D to 3D to stop-motion — competing for the Cristal for Best Feature Film.
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The film features an original score by acclaimed composer Christophe Beck, whose iconic work on Disney’s Frozen and Frozen II has resonated with audiences around the world and helped define a generation of animated storytelling.
Adjective
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Chisholm is normally pretty nonchalant, and manager Aaron Boone is rather stoic and defends his players sometimes to a fault.
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Making a comeback on the Milan men’s calendar after a decade’s absence and under new ownership, Caruso made a big impression with its breezy and slyly nonchalant tailoring done up in an arresting array of unusual colors.
Adjective
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Like most people, Sarnoski grew up with the light hearted stories of Robin Hood and his merry men.
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Our leads will be abandoning the mean streets of New York City for merry old London.
Adjective
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The soft blue handles add a cheerful pop of color that's pretty enough to leave on display on your countertop.
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This streamlined area rug from Dash and Albert (an extension of the Annie Selke brand) brings a cheerful element to your floors, swapping out terrycloth fibers for hand micro-hooked wool for a comfortable texture in high traffic areas.
Adjective
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But plenty of these bright red and crisp white shirts belong to Panama fans.
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The prospects for Chip’s Seeds continue to be bright, too.
Adjective
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Part of Black history is innovation in the face of oppression and a determination to create safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces for ourselves and for everyone.
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Would society trend toward debilitating mass unemployment or the joyful end of work?
Adjective
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Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
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Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere.
Adjective
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Yet in recent weeks, Taylor has been out and about, suspiciously carefree.
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The tragic ending, meanwhile, could traumatize those expecting a colorful, carefree romp for life.
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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