NYT Dictionary

GAYLY

/ˈɡeɪli/

AdverbGAY-lygay-ly · 2 syllablesAdvanced/Professional

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Cheerfully; in a gay manner.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

Etymology tree English gay Middle English -ly English -ly English gayly From gay + -ly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

joyouslymirthfullyblessedlybubblinglychearfullycheerfullycheerilycheerlyeudaemonicallyeupeptically

Antonyms

unhappily

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 9 recorded puzzles:

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