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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of gay
Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office in California, serving on the Sanfrisco Board of Supervisors from 1977 to 1978.
—
Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
That would require convincing the entire medical establishment — and challenging gay people’s own perceptions of themselves.
—Evan Brechtel, NBC news, 22 May 2025
The planetarium at Miami’s Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science will show special Pride laser shows with music from gay icons/allies Elton John, Lady Gaga, David Bowie and Queen.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
And, though Diller’s memoir recounts, sometimes movingly, his emergence as a gay man in a hostile world and details the long transition from old media to the internet, the book’s greatest pleasures are its lime chocolate bars.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
That would require convincing the entire medical establishment — and challenging gay people’s own perceptions of themselves.
—Evan Brechtel, NBC news, 22 May 2025
The planetarium at Miami’s Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science will show special Pride laser shows with music from gay icons/allies Elton John, Lady Gaga, David Bowie and Queen.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
And, though Diller’s memoir recounts, sometimes movingly, his emergence as a gay man in a hostile world and details the long transition from old media to the internet, the book’s greatest pleasures are its lime chocolate bars.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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Moreover, an animated Predator movie called Predator: Killer of Killers is coming to Hulu this summer.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
1 June 2025
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Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Throughout the book, ogling bystanders, nonchalant locals, and wannabes shooting their shot at stardom all add to the surrealist spectacle.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
23 May 2025
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Over the seasons, Tamburini has been offering sleek and sophisticated designs, yet with a modern touch, fluid shapes and a sort of nonchalant attitude.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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And in the middle is a holiday associated with merry drinking and a centuries-old religious figure: St. Patrick's Day.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA TODAY,
16 Mar. 2025
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Not so merry Mary Nothing was ever easy for Mary this season.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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In the video was a group of dogs, and a professional dog walker managing the calm and cheerful pack, sitting beautifully for the camera.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
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Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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While times are tough for recent college grads, the future looks bright for those with experience-building apprenticeships - especially in some trade roles where AI isn’t a threat.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Double-pane sliding glass windows throughout flood the space with natural light, making the whole home feel bright and open.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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The couple — already the parents of two boys, Dutton, 4 in June, and Baker, 2½ — is now joyful about becoming a family of five in November.—
Nancy Kruh,
People.com,
30 May 2025
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Few things can bring such awe to adults who have already lived a full and eventful life, as very little can catch them off guard with a joyful revelation.—
Cathrine Todd,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Moreover, for active and retired military members, a 10% military discount is available year-round.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Its mission is to empower voters and defend democracy through active engagement, education and advocacy.—
Deb Harvell,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Summer Stripes and Basket Bags The season brings forth a sense of nostalgia—sleepaway camp, family beach trips, and carefree moments spent outdoors.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
19 May 2025
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Retiring from work isn’t always the carefree experience some might imagine.—
Chad Willardson,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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