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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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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
-
In recent years, Hollywood decided adult comedies were not good bets in movie theaters, and instead focused heavily on superheroes and animated films.—
Rodney Ho,
AJC.com,
22 May 2026 -
Toons boom across the Croisette this year, with colorful features opening Critics’ Week, closing Directors’ Fortnight, and appearing across nearly every section — further cementing Cannes’ status as a premier launchpad for animated cinema.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Jurk was rather nonchalant following the punch as Castillo lay on the floor, prompting an announcer to say the medics should be in the ring.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
-
Her nonchalant reaction and control of her emotions went viral, gathering 26 million views on YouTube.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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The picture’s eclectic cast, which included Anouk Aimée, Greta Scacchi and Maximilian Schell (with cameos by Faye Dunaway, Holly Hunter and Jeff Goldblum), swirled its merry way across the grand event in search of romance, fame and the ever-elusive movie deal.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
But in the cycling ecosystem, the Rockets are still minnows, a bunch of merry men with a camera — up against teams funded by international business conglomerates and nation states.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Disrupting the possibility of cheerful solitude is both a stylistic and social shift, disturbing the film’s non-narrative serenity while depicting how dismantling the safety net displaces basic functions onto those least able to bear them.—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
-
The care home Marie-Lou runs is a sprawling establishment, with lush, cheerful grounds.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Because a bright sky helps subdue Venus's glare, this is a good time to inspect the planet telescopically, though its gibbous disk remains rather small and approximately seven-eighths illuminated.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
-
The trick is not to chase every bright idea.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William are the royal family members who currently helm the events, and Goulding shared a joyful message about her ceremony to remember on Wednesday.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
-
Larry’s reunion with his wife and children at Anchorage was a joyful thing to watch, and the rest of us will never forget those phone calls to our families.—
Ben East,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Little Caesars Arena was as energetic as its been all season, and Detroit didn’t deliver, sending Pistons fans for an early exit.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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For a night out, head to local landmark Pam Pam, a fish-out-of-water Brazilian bar with tiki drinks, dance shows, live music, and an energetic atmosphere.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Forced to walk around, and even sleep, in a steel straightjacket with his neck permanently raised high, the once carefree Christophe begins to shut down to both his classmates and family.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
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Still, the set’s relaxed silhouette and breezy fabric keep the look carefree, effortless, and super comfortable while traveling.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
22 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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