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
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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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Once released, the two men made animated films for the British war effort (so much for being enemies, or aliens), and then, in 1944, Hoellering took charge of the Academy, a cinema on London’s Oxford Street.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026 -
During the trial, many of Cardi's impassioned exchanges with the Janfaza went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Others noticed how well Perry and Harris, who play the nonchalant grandfather and seemingly sheltered grandson, bonded on-screen, noting that their chemistry is evident and makes the movie funnier.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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As part of his new collection for the brand, Arnold unveiled a new shape—a slightly sloping, almost smile-like pleat that’s simultaneously nonchalant and fully sophisticated.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What follows is Rockwell and his merry band of misfits on a madcap romp through a dystopian landscape for a showdown with the future’s artificial nemesis.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Amaryllis flowers and winter greenery make for a merry arrangement.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What better way to celebrate all that is to come than with a colorful, cheerful manicure?—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
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Life underground is no longer the Pleasantville-like, cheerful place viewers first encountered in Season 1.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Keep your flowers in a location that is bright but avoid direct sunlight, and keep them away from drafts, or entryways where large temperature fluctuations are likely.—
Heather Zidack,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
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Instead of blasting its outer layers into space in a bright explosion, its inner core appears to have collapsed inward completely, forming a black hole directly.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Audiences love watching the show’s staff pack the hallway and belt out a familiar tune with lyrics rewritten especially for the guest, sending them onto the soundstage in the most personal, joyful way possible.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
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If the past few seasons were dominated by quiet luxury, spring 2026 is about embracing joyful details.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When the energetic Sun clashes with unpredictable Uranus, plans are likely to wobble, pushing us to adapt expectations and stretch comfort zones.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Good side gigs for these energetic individuals?—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Elizabeth was principled and compassionate while Jessica was carefree, outgoing and manipulative, and their clashes and crushes became a welcome distraction.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Antnation Boho Smocked Top Set This $37 boho set is a one-and-done spring travel outfit that’s dripping in carefree, vacation-ready style.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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