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
-
Wichí people inhabit an animated world.—
María Carri,
Artforum,
16 Apr. 2026 -
Google suggests using the AI tools in Vids to create animated party flyers, business sizzle reels, or a video greeting card.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This approach not only simplifies your daily routine but also enhances the haircut's nonchalant vibe, quintessential to French style.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Fagen’s nonchalant cameo, though, got the Steely Dan community in a tizzy.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Using Too Many Small Bins The more bins, the merrier?—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Mau's reckless band of merry men inevitably leave a trail of bodies in their wake, leading police captain Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) to investigate the criminal takeover of Janix.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Each layer of this cake is studded with sweet, fresh berries and tart lemon while pureed blueberries give the frosting its bright and cheerful color.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The Confetti Dot, in cheerful red or navy, is a festive favorite and a go-to gift.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Aged 33, the Belgian still has plenty of years ahead of him but in Friday night’s semi-final against PSG, Navarro showed the future is bright in that position for the Spanish club.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The verdant burst is always welcome after a dreary winter, and the bright, fresh flavors of spring vegetables are like a breath of fresh air on the table, too.—
Becky Krystal,
Washington Post,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s so much skill there, and so much joyful effervescence.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
-
With an emotional reaction that was joyful, not hopeless.—
Peter Larsen,
Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj and Yoonchae Jeong of KATSEYE give an energetic performance during their weekend 2 set at Coachella in Indio, California, on April 17.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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Adept at skilfully maneuvering guests and their belongings around the estate’s cobbles and dirt tracks on golf buggies, Sao Lourenco’s energetic team of young, enthusiastic staff provide warm-hearted service with care and charisma.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This tank dress is unfussy in the best way, with a lovely floaty silhouette that captures the essence of carefree spring days.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
-
That nostalgic scent, associated with more carefree (and warmer) times, comes from a fruity blend of coconut, banana, and pineapple.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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