spirited
adjective
spir·it·ed
ˈspir-ə-təd 
: full of energy, animation, or courage
a spirited discussion
spiritedly
adverb
spiritedness
noun
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You may see spirited used to describe a conversation, a debate, a horse, or a campaign. And it often shows up in such words as high-spirited ("bold and energetic"), mean-spirited ("spiteful"), and public-spirited ("generous to a community"), all of which reflect the original meaning of spirit, a notion much like "soul" or "personality".
Examples of spirited in a Sentence
The team put up a spirited defense.
She's a very spirited young lady.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brown became the first player in Boston history to record at least 41 points, seven rebounds, six assists, five steals and one block in a single game, helping fuel both an electric first half by the Celtics’ offense and a spirited late-game rally.
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
The witty romantic dramedy kicks off with a young Fanny Price (Hannah Taylor Gordon) — who comes from a poor family — being sent away to live with her wealthy uncle and his wife and children, then jumps forward to the spirited writer in her twenties.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
But when his eldest rushes off and leaves his spirited daughter in his care, the day takes an unexpected turn.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Designer Charlotte Moss’s approach to festive decor is simple yet spirited—greenery and florals, timeless patterns and baubles, handmade touches, and even natural elements foraged from the property add cheer to every room.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
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Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
The witty romantic dramedy kicks off with a young Fanny Price (Hannah Taylor Gordon) — who comes from a poor family — being sent away to live with her wealthy uncle and his wife and children, then jumps forward to the spirited writer in her twenties.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
But when his eldest rushes off and leaves his spirited daughter in his care, the day takes an unexpected turn.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Designer Charlotte Moss’s approach to festive decor is simple yet spirited—greenery and florals, timeless patterns and baubles, handmade touches, and even natural elements foraged from the property add cheer to every room.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirited. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spirited
adjective
spir·it·ed
ˈspir-ət-əd
: full of courage or energy
a spirited discussion
spiritedly
adverb
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