GAY Synonyms: 325 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

gay

adjective

ˈgā

Definition of gay next

as in animated

having much high-spirited energy and movement couples dancing a gay, fast-paced jig

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bright

serving to lift one's spirits the skylark's gay song lifted me out of my gloom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in joyful

joyously unrestrained it was the era of the flappers, and young women were gay, bold, and defiant of convention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Odd One Out, a group of similar people tries to root out a mole, thereby examining individual stereotypes (for example, a group of straight guys tries to identify the secretly gay one). —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025 This one features an exceptional lead performance from Olivia Colman as Hannah, a filmmaker (think Hyde) navigating her experience growing up in a family where the father left after 13 years to find a new life as a gay man in Amsterdam. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025 The band, known for its 1970s hit songs and elaborate costumes targeted at disco's large gay audience is an unlikely pairing with Trump, due to the Republican Party's anti-LGBTQ+ stance on several issues. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 The venue was designed to be a haven for LGBTQIA+ individuals, many of whom were silently battling HIV in a country where being gay is now a crime. —

Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gay

Adjective

The animated tennis is only as good as the tennis being played.

— Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Flying high Raspy voiced Pierce Brosnan presented the award along with the animated Mode, who strolled onto the stage and interacted with the actor, who had recently concluded his run portraying James Bond.

— Randee Dawn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025