buoyant

adjective

buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt 

ˈbü-yənt

: having buoyancy

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.

: such as

a

: capable of floating

Cork is naturally buoyant.

b

: cheerful, gay

in a buoyant mood

c

: capable of maintaining a satisfactorily high level

a buoyant economy

buoyantly adverb

Synonyms of buoyant

• cheerful
• optimistic
• bright

Examples of buoyant in a Sentence

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.

The actors were buoyant as they prepared for the evening's performance.

Recent Examples on the Web

To be sure, the job market is showing signs of stagnation, but the AI boom will keep the economy buoyant, with incomes holding up too, Capital Economics said. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Dec. 2025

All of those concerns could mean a stock market that struggles to cross the finish line in a buoyant mood during the final stretch of the year. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025

The mood was buoyant but reflective, a mix of disbelief, gratitude, nerves and anticipation. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025

At one replanting site near the Arizona border west of San Luís Rio Colorado last fall, Pronatura Noroeste wildlife team supervisor Alejandra Calvo Fonseca strung nets between the young but towering trees to count birds and show off the delta’s buoyant biodiversity. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for buoyant

• clairvoyant
• flamboyant

Kids Definition

buoyant

adjective

buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt 

ˈbü-yənt

1

: having buoyancy

especially : capable of floating

2

: being in a happy mood : cheerful

buoyantly adverb