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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of gay
Whether writing about accidentally coming out as gay to his music teacher, learning French as a 41-year-old or feeling crushing jealousy for his artistically gifted sister, Sedaris approaches every new experience with a wide-eyed curiosity.
—
Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
However, Rourke’s exploits in the U.K. reached an international audience with his remarks aimed at Siwa, who is openly gay.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2025
The episode used him well in his range as a comedic actor (from a gay dad/kidnapper alongside Bowen Yang to a dumb cop), and for the most part, each sketch felt pretty solid.
—Rima Parikh, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2025
The episode used him well in his range as a comedic actor (from a gay dad/kidnapper alongside Bowen Yang to a dumb cop), and for the most part, each sketch felt pretty solid.
—Rima Parikh, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
However, Rourke’s exploits in the U.K. reached an international audience with his remarks aimed at Siwa, who is openly gay.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2025
The episode used him well in his range as a comedic actor (from a gay dad/kidnapper alongside Bowen Yang to a dumb cop), and for the most part, each sketch felt pretty solid.
—Rima Parikh, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2025
The episode used him well in his range as a comedic actor (from a gay dad/kidnapper alongside Bowen Yang to a dumb cop), and for the most part, each sketch felt pretty solid.
—Rima Parikh, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
-
The Looney Tunes film, featuring Forte and John Cena opposite an animated Wile E. Coyote, became the most talked about movie in Hollywood in late 2023 when The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Warner Bros. intended to scrap the movie as part of a $115 million writedown.—
Kirsten Chuba,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Fox’s rollout includes return dates for animated series like Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy, as well as premieres for reality programs including MasterChef (returning for a 15th season dubbed Dynamic Duos) and unscripted newbie The Snake, hosted by comedian Jim Jefferies.—
Rebecca Luther,
TVLine,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Their dominance was complete and almost nonchalant.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Sure, your cat may look rather nonchalant about it.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Sister Mary Guadalupe wears rimless glasses, and her eyes are shaped like a merry jack-o’-lantern’s, flat on the bottom with semicircles on top.—
Lawrence Wright,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Women deserve their own places at the top, and if that means more women are founding companies, the more, the merrier.—
Liz Elting,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
After congratulating the pregnant women, the husband and wife turn their attention to a cheerful Aisha.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The relaxed fit keeps it comfortable for all-day wear, and the sunny shade adds a cheerful touch to otherwise neutral travel basics.—
Becca Blond,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
By all accounts, Woodson is a really bright football player.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
This recipe skips the mayo and ops for a tangy vinaigrette to keep it light and bright.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In an emotional moment, his family celebrated the joyful occasion and were seen jumping and hugging one another.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The joyful reunion made everyone in the room smile, leaving no doubt that absence makes the heart grow fonder.—
Allison Moses,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Redshirt freshman Kaleb Annett was the most active quarterback on the day, throwing for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 6-for-10 throwing performance.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The 1880s were the most active decade for U.S. hurricane landfalls on record.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
To dust off its cobwebs and go back to my earlier days of carefree riding?—
Alfredo Sosa,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Luke may seem like the goofy, carefree kid, but don’t be fooled — he’s got a lot of that intense mystery, which is very Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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