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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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
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Recent Examples of gay
Four years before the Stonewall uprising, Scott’s case created critical protections for gay federal employees and helped end the Lavender Scare, the Cold War campaign to remove gay workers from the federal government.
—
Madelyn Harrington, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
According to a Gallup poll from May, more than two in three Americans support it, and nearly as many say gay or lesbian relations are morally acceptable.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Time, 26 June 2025
When the president’s spokesperson comes out swinging against gay people, young gay people are going to get damaged.
—Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
Goldberg fired back by saying that hate crimes against gay and Black people happen in the U.S. as well.
Griffin, who served in the Trump White House during his first presidency, argued that the way women and minorities are treated in the U.S. is no way comparable to what such groups endure in Iran.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Madelyn Harrington, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
According to a Gallup poll from May, more than two in three Americans support it, and nearly as many say gay or lesbian relations are morally acceptable.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Time, 26 June 2025
When the president’s spokesperson comes out swinging against gay people, young gay people are going to get damaged.
—Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
Goldberg fired back by saying that hate crimes against gay and Black people happen in the U.S. as well.
Griffin, who served in the Trump White House during his first presidency, argued that the way women and minorities are treated in the U.S. is no way comparable to what such groups endure in Iran.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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The firm, which was founded three years ago by Julian Jacob, will then focus on transforming other toy brands into animated and live-action series, digital shorts, casual and mobile games, and immersive formats designed for today’s digitally native generation.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 July 2025
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Martinsen described Arlo as an unusually animated and communicative baby.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
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Actress January Jones channeled Isabel Marant’s nonchalant French-girl style by wearing an oversized sweater and cutoff jean shorts to a dinner hosted by the designer.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Audiences already know what to expect from Buzz Lightyear, Woody and their merry band of talking toys.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
23 June 2025
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Will the market continue to trudge along its merry path?—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Diana wore the cheerful frock on several occasions between 1988 and 1992, often during hospital visits and moments of connection with patients.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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Volunteers from a nonprofit that trains service dogs, Helping Paws Inc., provided a little canine therapy for waiting mourners Friday at the Capitol, working the crowd with cheerful golden retrievers.—
John Hanna,
Twin Cities,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Known for its bright colors and vivid patterns, the store specializes in women’s clothes fit for a resort or a vacation to a tropical island.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
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Today, however, Kendall was spotted doing a little shopping at the Chloé store with some friends, and her choice of a bright red minidress brought back one of the biggest trends of summer 2023: Tomato girl summer.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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From panel stages to comedy sets, the stories told here are layered, instructive and deeply joyful.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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Jesse, family man, civic organizer, corporate negotiator, contract hawk, and school advocate has left a role model legacy of joyful courage and positive leadership for the kids.—
Richard J. Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Staying active, building muscle, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help increase your metabolism.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
30 June 2025
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For those looking for more active pursuits, there’s a tennis court and gym on site.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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However long or fleeting summer months can feel, the season is all about ease and simplicity, and sartorially, few staples capture that carefree spirit better than the button-up shirt.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
30 June 2025
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In Ukraine's legendary port city, the salty breeze carried the splashing and laughter of a carefree summer.—
Joanna Kakissis,
NPR,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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