1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the nation’s anti-discrimination laws apply equally to all employees, regardless of whether those complaining of bias are white or Black, gay or straight.
—
David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
His work significantly impacted gay culture and shaped the understanding of LGBTQ experiences during the early AIDS crisis and beyond.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 June 2025
Lopez plays Ingrid Luna, aka Aurora, aka the Spider Woman, a movie star about whom a gay Argentinian prisoner fantasizes.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 5 June 2025
Feng added that Lin's parents were allegedly pressuring him to marry a woman and didn't know that Lin was gay and in a romantic relationship with him.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
His work significantly impacted gay culture and shaped the understanding of LGBTQ experiences during the early AIDS crisis and beyond.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 June 2025
Lopez plays Ingrid Luna, aka Aurora, aka the Spider Woman, a movie star about whom a gay Argentinian prisoner fantasizes.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 5 June 2025
Feng added that Lin's parents were allegedly pressuring him to marry a woman and didn't know that Lin was gay and in a romantic relationship with him.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
-
Moreover, an animated Predator movie called Predator: Killer of Killers is coming to Hulu this summer.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
1 June 2025
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
This merry, hour-long holiday extravaganza will be stacked with gifts for Bravo fans and feature a number of Yuletide Bravolebrity performances.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
Martin and his merry band of Coldplay troubadours – guitarist Jonny Buckland, bass player Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion – unleashed their infectious brand of rock May 31 on an adoring California crowd to kick off the final leg of a three year tour that wraps in London this September.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Here’s a cheerful fringed umbrella that looks a lot more expensive than its $72 price tag.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
6 June 2025
-
Sparkling with Champagne-like bubbles, a bready, light body and a clean, faintly bitter finish, this cheerful beer is ideal for a sunny summer afternoon.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
For the second time time in less than two weeks, Detroit was forced to send one its brightest young starting pitchers to the injured list.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Since the show's conclusion, Zoe has remained active in the fashion and lifestyle space, in part through her newsletter The Zoe Report, which launched in 2009.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
Action step: Practice active listening during meetings.—
Kent Ingle,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Her joyful, carefree attitude gave way to hypervigilance.—
Bram Sable-Smith,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
-
As the defining cultural moment of not only the summer but of 2024 in general, Brat and its hedonistic aesthetic — authentic, messy and vulnerable with cigarettes, baby tees and neon green — helped set the stage for Rae’s confident and carefree pop evolution.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share