1
2
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
5
6

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 That was when homophobic protests and boycotts induced Target to pull gay Pride merchandise from many stores and to quiet its LGBTQ support. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025 And there was ample opportunity for it in this uproarious farce, which finds Keeley meeting the gay parents (played by Robin Williams and Nathan Lane) of the man who's set to marry his daughter. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025 Maria's got a free-spirited gay son, portrayed by Tony winner Matt Doyle. Dave Quinn, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 Allegations against the actor have continued to amass in documentaries like Investigation Discovery's Spacey Unmasked, released in May 2024. Spacey, who also received criticism for coming out as gay in response to Rapp's initial accusations in 2017, has denied all claims made against him. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
  • For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The Oscar nominee walked the runway with dramatic, out-to-there lashes that would feel right at home on an animated heroine or villain.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ray fluctuates more, is nonchalant about a few things, which drives me nuts.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
  • At the meeting, Hanes seemed oddly nonchalant, exuding the air of an overconfident salesman.
    David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Tristan’s on pigeon patrol, and a merry Christmas to all.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Tori Spelling's daughter didn't have the merriest of Christmases last year.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Another cheerful Minervois scintillator that is balanced with bright fruit, subtle tannins and vats of joyous acidity.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Buchholz remained cheerful throughout the event, saying there is nothing to complain about when a party doubles its support.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The flavor profile is sweet and bright and makes a great potluck side that will have everyone scooping out a big serving.
    Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025
  • That’s exactly what happens, but our eyes (which are not blessed with high dynamic range) see a bright side of the moon and an almost black side as Earth’s shadow travels across it.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tennessee is a beautiful state, especially in the fall, when tulip poplars, sugar maples and hickory trees turn bright red, gold and copper, making the drive as joyful as the destination.
    Colleen Creamer, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Now, the parents are reflecting on the joyful day — and baby Cora’s unusual birth story.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Assist/little Lake Fire has burned four acres of private land after being active for seven hours.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Currently, there are 40 active tribes that participate in parades and events during Mardi Gras, Super Sundays and St. Joseph’s Day.
    Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The film centers on Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), who heads to a party hotspot in the Mediterranean with her two best friends, ready for a carefree holiday filled with drinking and clubbing before adulthood takes hold (à la Spring Breakers).
    Travis Bean, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This carefree track finds the cousins trading jokes and flexes over Jersey club drums and a warped Bon Iver sample.
    Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!