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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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 show's only limit is its imagination, as fans have already seen Captain Pike and his crew delight in musical and animated episodes.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
2 Jan. 2026 -
The sequel, which has the Ghostbusters facing off with the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian and his profoundly negative vibes, ends in a joyous celebration that brings the Big Apple together while an animated Statue of Liberty stomps to the rescue.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Her nonchalant, soft-glam is so perfectly mesmerizing, my TikTok and social media feeds are flooded with tutorials trying to re-create her signature style.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
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One fictional and the other real, the drug lords look nonchalant.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Besides its prominent cloud belts, Jupiter's greatest telescopic treasure are its four Galilean moons that run a merry race with each other around the planet, changing their respective positions from hour to hour and night to night.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The residents were excited to see both, but the real dog hopped down and went on its merry way, while Jennie stuck around to be snuggled.—
Rena Goldman,
EverydayHealth.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sweater nails feel cozy and cheerful in the winter, especially in a shocking shade of scarlet.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Citrus Wreaths Create cheerful wreaths that lean on in-season oranges and lemons for pops of color.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Junkaroo, a kaleidoscopic, centuries-old street parade rooted in West African traditions and a joyful window into Bahamian heritage.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
7 Nov. 2025
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Coming back to this joyful city to be honored is a very precious moment.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Whether that’s stand in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After critics picked apart her appearance during the 2015 Wimbledon tennis tournament, Williams took to social media and retorted with a carefree beach selfie.—
Grace Gavilanes,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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The decades-old restaurant is nestled in a 2-story building in Elizabeth, serving up barbecue shrimp and live music and carefree N’awlins vibes.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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