gay

adjective

ˈgā How to pronounce gay (audio)
Definition of gaynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bright
serving to lift one's spirits the skylark's gay song lifted me out of my gloom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gay contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gay are animated, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use animated instead of gay?

The words animated and gay can be used in similar contexts, but animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When might lively be a better fit than gay?

In some situations, the words lively and gay are roughly equivalent. However, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for gay?

While the synonyms sprightly and gay are close in meaning, sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When is vivacious a more appropriate choice than gay?

The synonyms vivacious and gay are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gay There is a certain recognition of the difficult reality of being gay. — David Opie, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025 Eight out of 10 gay couples were depicted in an interior domestic scene, often cuddling on the couch, while nine of the straight couples were shown outdoors in a park, in scenes reminiscent of an engagement photo shoot. — Reece Rogers, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025 During his two years on the series, Dobies made waves in the daytime television world when it was revealed that his character (who was married to Hilary B. Smith’s Nora Buchanan) was gay. — Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 What is a Pink Triangle The downward Pink Triangle was the gay equivalent of the yellow star for Jewish people under the Nazis. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
  1. animated
  2. nonchalant
  3. merry
  4. cheerful
  5. bright
  6. joyful
  7. active
  8. carefree
Adjective
  • Even though that last one was over a decade ago now, Frost has been in loads of projects since then, including doing a lot of voicework for animated endeavors.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Kevin Conroy, most famously the eternal voice of Batman in animated and video game projects for decades, sadly passed away in 2022 from cancer.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • The nonchalant nature of the talking stage can also shield individuals from rejection.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Among the many characters in the mural are: a gray cat perched in a tree; a white-and-black dog digging excitedly in the grass; a nonchalant orange cat lounging without a care; a dachshund mid-chase after a ball; and a black cat leaping into the air, back arched in dramatic flair.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • Personal differences, school commitments, and career opportunities threaten to permanently break up the merry band of role-players.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Afterwards, the trap would have released the insect, to go on their merry way.
    — Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • Suddenly, everyone’s wardrobe is far more cheerful, nature is blooming in every corner, and our favorite brands begin unveiling fresh colorways inspired by the season’s change.
    — Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Many Faces of Organizational Silence Toxic positivity isn't just about being excessively cheerful.
    — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • Both O’Mara and McMahon believe that Pickle has a bright future ahead.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The trailer unfolded to the atmospheric music of Nine Inch Nails and overflows with atmospheric details — bright red bikes race down highways, slicing cop cars in half.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Keep reading for the recipe, plus a few more joyful things to slot into your month.
    — Olivia Quintana, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The ideals and events of the decade informed the music, as its moods grew both more joyful and darker.
    — Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of joyful
Adjective
  • These teams also check for individuals with active warrants.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The appeals court also narrowly rejected, by an 8-7 vote, a request to hear the case en banc, which would have brought the matter before all active judges on the court.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of active
Adjective
  • Basked in spring sunlight on Saturday, Goodison had the carefree air of a place that knows Everton’s safety has been secured.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Kate Hudson and Mini-Me Daughter Rani, 6, Enjoy Their First 'Mother Daughter Spa Day' Together in Adorable Photo Her older brother, Cleaning Lady actor Oliver Hudson, couldn’t help but comment on her carefree post.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of carefree

Browse Nearby Words

gawps
gay
gayness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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