spirited

1 of 2

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ə-təd 

: full of energy, animation, or courage

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb

spiritedness noun

spirited

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of spirit entry 2

Did you know?

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".

Synonyms of spirited

Adjective

• fiery
• passionate
• spunky
• brisk
• high-spirited
• fervent
• peppery

Examples of spirited in a Sentence

Adjective

The team put up a spirited defense.

She's a very spirited young lady.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With unwavering resolve, Salvador rallies an eclectic band of misfit street kids, led by the spirited Belén, to defy fate and protect Carmen. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Clive Rose / Getty Images Piastri put up a spirited fight against Verstappen, who had a brief mistake with a lock-up at Turn 1 to briefly give the McLaren driver the podium spot back. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

It is also expertly cut (the fine editing is by Valerio Banelli) and keeps the focus on this spirited man tilting at windmills, showing great courage and grit all the way. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

The rape trial was mentioned but the overall portrait was of an enviable, high-spirited rake. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spirited

• high-spirited
• low-spirited
• mean-spirited
• poor-spirited
• public-spirited

Rhymes for spirited

• dispirited

Kids Definition

spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ət-əd 

: full of courage or energy

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb