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.
Bright synths, electronic drums and an enormous chorus give the track its rush, while Justin Bieber’s melodic delivery keeps it light and buoyant. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026 The result was an eruption of buoyant experimentation, blending the organic and electronic with ecstatic melodies and avant-garde textures. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 However, developing specialized buoyant materials, underwater conduits, and anti-corrosive gear come with a premium price tag. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The buoyant 808s ping-pong back and forth, sounding like an aquatic marching band ushering in a deep-sea championship team. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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