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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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay
Adjective
  • As one of several interactive experiences, guests will be able to spin a 3D prize wheel with Luigi, Lavazza’s animated robot, for a chance to win keepsake merch and coffee prizes.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • An animated CoComelon film from Universal Pictures is in the works for release the same year.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Her opponent was a noisy avalanche of language, but Kuang appeared cool and nonchalant.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Often, that involves baring her growing baby bump in a cool, nonchalant way.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, they are pressured into becoming guests of the castle's owner, a transvestite mad scientist called Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), and his merry bad of misfits.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Robin Hood and his merry men were yeomen of the most courageous sort.
    Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The movie’s most affecting moments are between Lynette and her brother, played with disarming cheerful innocence by Gottsagen and with alarming distress when Kenny is placed in tense situations.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Buc-ee the Beaver, the cheerful mascot in a red cap, is featured on eye-catching red and yellow billboards that beckon travelers from miles away along the interstate.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But away from the bright lights, situated high above the players competing on stage in Riyadh, major business is being done in the Esports Embassy.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Avoid nights with a bright moon if possible, or block it from view to reduce glare.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dad was proof that life didn’t end—indeed, could become more joyful—after sobriety.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Bangladeshi pre-wedding party was filled with joyful music and dancing, plus purifying turmeric blessings.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dormant grass gets active once temperatures increase, so don't fertilize before then.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • But children in any educational setting can benefit from parents taking an active role in their learning and development, research shows.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Substitute Wilson Isidor does not appear set for such a prominent role in the Premier League, but his breakaway goal, low past Hermansen, in stoppage time assured the Stadium of Light of a carefree finale of oles and embraces.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • On Sundays, Perez sees them with visitors outside, the scene reminiscent to her of families enjoying a carefree day at the park.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gay. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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