1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig
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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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Annecy, which was established as a bi-annual event in 1960 and shifted to a yearly event in 1998, hosts a main competition every year, with roughly 10 or so animated films of all types — from 2D to 3D to stop-motion — competing for the Cristal for Best Feature Film.
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The film features an original score by acclaimed composer Christophe Beck, whose iconic work on Disney’s Frozen and Frozen II has resonated with audiences around the world and helped define a generation of animated storytelling.
Adjective
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That play effectively started once defender Tim Ream tracked down a goal kick near the half-line, then passed up to Tyler Adams for a nonchalant back-heel pass to Tillman.
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Chisholm is normally pretty nonchalant, and manager Aaron Boone is rather stoic and defends his players sometimes to a fault.
Adjective
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Some may argue that the more the merrier applies as much to advocacy for social justice as to anything else.
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When former President Barack Obama addressed the massive, merry crowd at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18, a few lines landed like a balm.
Adjective
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With both extended families gathered at Athen’s Piraeus harbour, we where given a tearful goodbye with hearftfelt prayers and cheerful optimisum to begin our American journey.
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Spend some time at a local pond or lake and greet these pretty waterfowl, observing their colorful markings and cheerful chatter.
Adjective
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Charlie Carballo Ed Sheeran, who's been rumored to perform at the wedding festivities, made his way to MSG wearing a bright blue suit alongside wife Cherry Seaborn.
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Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
Adjective
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Part of Black history is innovation in the face of oppression and a determination to create safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces for ourselves and for everyone.
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Would society trend toward debilitating mass unemployment or the joyful end of work?
Adjective
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Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
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Brazil were energetic and vertical, Vinicius Junior and Rayan stretched their opponents and Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner was just reward.
Adjective
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Yet in recent weeks, Taylor has been out and about, suspiciously carefree.
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The tragic ending, meanwhile, could traumatize those expecting a colorful, carefree romp for life.
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Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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