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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Awards were given out across 33 categories, with winners in the narrative, documentary, and animated shorts categories achieving Oscar eligibility.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025 -
Despite being a pretty great animated sitcom in its own right, Dispatch will need to quickly start leaning further into its immersive elements to justify its place (and price tag) among a crowded streaming landscape.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Backing the nonchalant trio were multiple percussionists on wind chimes, congas, shakers, and more, as well as backup singers, a bassist, and an additional guitarist.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
28 Oct. 2025
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Meanwhile, a debonair and nonchalant judge, Roland Brack (Nicholas Pinnock), who has arranged George’s loan for the expensive property, is also dallying with Hedda and plots to use his influence—his power, rather—to tighten their extramarital bond.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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To usher in the return of all things merry and bright, Dunkin' is integrating a handful of new items to its holiday menu.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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Merry Moments Festive Platter May your holidays be merry and your platters be on-theme!—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her style and approach are, as always, dogged, thorough, and relentlessly cheerful.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement The clown as a fun family entertainer rebounded in the late 1940s, as American companies developed cheerful new mascots to absorb Cold War anxieties.—
Time,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The popular lounge set comes in 16 colors, including neutrals, bright hues, and several shades of blue.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
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The future is bright, the options are endless.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In addition to delightful dish after delightful dish, tasting menu participants have the joyful experience of choosing their own chopstick holder and steak knife.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
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The post has evolved into All the Cool Girls Get Fired, a rollicking, joyful self-help book and how-to guide, that aims to empower and inform women amidst the turbulent job market of the 2020s.—
Hadley Meares,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With the right team in place, sessions feel warm, energetic, and inviting.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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Williams went viral for his energetic behavior on the sideline during the game.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Beyond the neoprene pieces, the biggest impact at their debut was their carefree layering of long buttondown shirts tucked into boyshorts and hot pants, letting the layers peek out from underneath.—
Laia Garcia-Furtado,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
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This week, Megan Moroney offers up valuable wisdom enveloped in a lilting ballad, while Maddie Lenhart sings of longing for a carefree night of throwing romantic caution to the wind.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
27 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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