What is another word for gay?

Common synonyms for gay include jolly, homosexual, merry, sunny, braw.

What is the opposite of gay?

Antonyms of gay include straight, heterosexual, uninterested, apathetic, indifferent.

Synonyms for

Gay

Adjective / geɪ / Another word for gay — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Gay means being happy or joyful, as well as referring to someone who is attracted to the same gender.

Synonyms & similar words

jolly homosexual merry sunny braw festive festal cheery homo brave jocund homophile queer mirthful jovial happy joyful merry cheerful jovial lighthearted gleeful content delighted elated ecstatic blissful radiant gay-friendly homosexual lesbian queer transgender same-sex LGBTQ+

Synonyms by register

Formal

homosexual same-sex attracted

Informal

queer homo dyke lesbo

Literary

blithe merry jocund

Antonyms

straight heterosexual uninterested apathetic indifferent disinterested

Common collocations

gay pride
gay rights
gay community
gay marriage
gay couple
gay bar
gay culture
gay icon

Word family

noun gayness

adjective gay

Usage note

The word 'gay' is primarily used to describe homosexual individuals or relationships. While historically it meant 'merry' or 'carefree', this usage is now archaic and can cause confusion. It is generally considered informal to use 'queer' as a synonym, though it is reclaimed by some within the LGBTQ+ community.

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