buoyant

adjective

buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt How to pronounce buoyant (audio)
ˈbü-yənt
Synonyms of buoyant
: having buoyancy
Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.
: such as
a
: capable of floating
Cork is naturally buoyant.
b
: cheerful, gay
in a buoyant mood
c
: capable of maintaining a satisfactorily high level
a buoyant economy
buoyantly adverb

Synonyms of buoyant

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Examples of buoyant in a Sentence

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air. The actors were buoyant as they prepared for the evening's performance.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Wilde thrills at the prospect of movement, setting a pace to match her buoyant mood. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 June 2026 Tasters kept coming back to it for its delicate balance of light and buoyant tang with creamy and decadent texture. — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 Ferdinand has spent time around United in recent months but is realistic about the buoyant mood. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 25 June 2026 Traders remained in a buoyant mood after news that the two sides had paused their conflict, which had sent energy costs soaring and stoked inflation. — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for buoyant

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buoyant was in 1578

Rhymes for buoyant

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Browse Nearby Words

buoyancy tank
buoyant
buoyant force
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Cite this Entry

“Buoyant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoyant. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

buoyant

adjective
buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt How to pronounce buoyant (audio)
ˈbü-yənt
1
: having buoyancy
especially : capable of floating
2
: being in a happy mood : cheerful
buoyantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on buoyant

Nglish: Translation of buoyant for Spanish Speakers

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