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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

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
  • Katt also lent his voice to the animated The Get Along Gang in the mid-1980s, and in Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • In the brief animated video graphic shared to Perry’s Instagram, the expedition’s logo comes into frame, against a starry sky.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 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
  • Murillo remains one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The whites of shirts and balloons look bright, while skin tones appear natural.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But his joyful, freewheeling creativity is thwarted by the head Piglin, Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House), who seeks the two objects in order to control the Overworld; to protect it, Steve enlists Dennis, a wolf he’s encountered and tamed, to carry them back home and hide them under his bed.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The key is turning function into emotion, crafting joyful products and blending technology, creativity and insights to create standout first impressions and unique product experiences that stick.
    Nicki Sprinz, Forbes.com, 9 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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