1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
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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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
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The firm, which was founded three years ago by Julian Jacob, will then focus on transforming other toy brands into animated and live-action series, digital shorts, casual and mobile games, and immersive formats designed for today’s digitally native generation.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 July 2025 -
Martinsen described Arlo as an unusually animated and communicative baby.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
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At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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So where do locals and visitors in-the-know gather to eat, drink and be merry?—
Alissa Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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Throw on wide-leg jeans and a button-down, slip these on, and be on your merry way.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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More Getty Images Just hours earlier, Korda had posted a cheerful story showing four oversized suitcases and her golf travel bag lined up at the airport.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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Despite his serious voice, Gamboa highlighted González’s cheerful character.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Known for its bright colors and vivid patterns, the store specializes in women’s clothes fit for a resort or a vacation to a tropical island.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
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Today, however, Kendall was spotted doing a little shopping at the Chloé store with some friends, and her choice of a bright red minidress brought back one of the biggest trends of summer 2023: Tomato girl summer.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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This book captures her vibrant, joyful voice in conversation with Toshio Meronek.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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Here are our picks for the most joyful surprises and most egregious snubs.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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State records show that Glass House holds multiple active licenses to grow cannabis.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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These insects have been active since the end of June.—
Chris McKeown,
The Enquirer,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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The fleeting slide guitars in the background coupled with the light drums and layered vocals give of the air of a carefree summer day.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
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Superman’s interpretation of Kara plays like a carefree sorority girl, but there’s probably more to her demeanor than meets the eye.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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