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 In it, Garcia played Carlos, a gay teen estranged from his Mexican family, along with his pregnant cousin and protagonist Magdalena (played by Emily Rios). Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025 The Indian gay drama will play at New Directors/New Films this week. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 The makeup artist reportedly identifies as gay and works at beauty pageants. Cate Martel, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 Later, Dorian visits an opium den, which Williams transforms into a modern-day nightclub, complete with techno, strobe lights, and a gay character smoking from a crystal meth pipe. Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
  • Even though that last one was over a decade ago now, Frost has been in loads of projects since then, including doing a lot of voicework for animated endeavors.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Kevin Conroy, most famously the eternal voice of Batman in animated and video game projects for decades, sadly passed away in 2022 from cancer.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The nonchalant nature of the talking stage can also shield individuals from rejection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Among the many characters in the mural are: a gray cat perched in a tree; a white-and-black dog digging excitedly in the grass; a nonchalant orange cat lounging without a care; a dachshund mid-chase after a ball; and a black cat leaping into the air, back arched in dramatic flair.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Personal differences, school commitments, and career opportunities threaten to permanently break up the merry band of role-players.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Afterwards, the trap would have released the insect, to go on their merry way.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Suddenly, everyone’s wardrobe is far more cheerful, nature is blooming in every corner, and our favorite brands begin unveiling fresh colorways inspired by the season’s change.
    Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Many Faces of Organizational Silence Toxic positivity isn't just about being excessively cheerful.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Both O’Mara and McMahon believe that Pickle has a bright future ahead.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The trailer unfolded to the atmospheric music of Nine Inch Nails and overflows with atmospheric details — bright red bikes race down highways, slicing cop cars in half.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Keep reading for the recipe, plus a few more joyful things to slot into your month.
    Olivia Quintana, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The ideals and events of the decade informed the music, as its moods grew both more joyful and darker.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These teams also check for individuals with active warrants.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The appeals court also narrowly rejected, by an 8-7 vote, a request to hear the case en banc, which would have brought the matter before all active judges on the court.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Basked in spring sunlight on Saturday, Goodison had the carefree air of a place that knows Everton’s safety has been secured.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Kate Hudson and Mini-Me Daughter Rani, 6, Enjoy Their First 'Mother Daughter Spa Day' Together in Adorable Photo Her older brother, Cleaning Lady actor Oliver Hudson, couldn’t help but comment on her carefree post.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 14 Apr. 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!