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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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The movie, created with partners Native Foreign and Vertigo Films, is being produced in just nine months on a budget under $30 million—far less than typical animated features—and is slated to debut at Cannes before a global 2026 release.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025 -
The animated series touches on the relationships between fathers and sons, prompting Yeun, as the lead actor, to reflect on his own fatherhood journey.—
Stephanie Wenger,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Warren, in his typically nonchalant fashion, downplayed his early impact in the Colts’ offense.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In Don’t Get High, an alpha dork and her merry gang of dweebs start an anti-drug group at their high school to make friends and influence people.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
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From a massive 9-foot fir to a charming 3-foot tabletop tree, score up to 58% off a one-time buy that’ll last for years of merry memories.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The YouTuber greets everyone — fan on the street, friend, foe, sitting Congressmen, and unsuspecting Rolling Stone staffer — the same, with a cheerful smile and an already rolling camera crew.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
5 Sep. 2025
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The pet supplement space is crowded with options, many of which have cheerful packaging and confident claims, yet little transparency about efficacy.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Pixel’s Magic Editor leverages generative AI tools, which can remove objects in the background, alter lighting, and realistically change the entire mood of a phone (a bright middary sun can easily be compensated for).—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Academy graduate Charlie Tasker is a bright prospect.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a joyful and unexpected twist, Zimmerer even had the honor of being the flower girl.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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The transformation from investment banker to mental health advocate wasn't exactly a joyful moment for Miller.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Speaking of the 2023 playoffs, the Rangers active 28-man roster features only three players who were also on their ‘23 postseason roster.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
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To qualify for a portion of the county arts funding, organizations must be active 501(c)3 entities, located and operating in Milwaukee County, organized for the primary purpose of producing or presenting the arts, and open to the general public, according to the county's application terms.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Handcrafted swings made from local olive wood hang throughout the resort, evoking a sense of innocence and carefree luxury.—
Caitlin Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Cata and her sister Eva (Martina García) are spending a carefree summer at their grandparents’ house in Mallorca when suddenly their beloved grandmother Catalina (Marta Angelat) dies, and their innocent holiday, as well as this movie, takes a tragic turn.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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