animated

1 of 2

adjective

an·​i·​mat·​ed ˈa-nə-ˌmā-təd 

1

a

: endowed with life or the qualities of life : alive

animated creatures

b

: full of movement and activity

an animated crowd

c

: full of vigor and spirit : lively

an animated discussion

2

: having the appearance of something alive

an unusually animated piece of sculpture

3

: made in the form of an animated cartoon

an animated film

animatedly adverb

animated

2 of 2

past and past participle of animate

Did you know?

Animated cartoon characters have been "given life" by film techniques, though the animation of drawings actually goes back to handheld toys in the 1830s. A child watching the cartoon may also be animated—squealing, laughing, and jumping around—as can a crowd of hockey fans or a rock-concert audience. And the best discussions and arguments are often highly animated.

Synonyms of animated

Adjective

• animate
• lively
• energetic
• active
• brisk

Choose the Right Synonym for animated

lively, animated, vivacious, sprightly, gay mean keenly alive and spirited.

lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Examples of animated in a Sentence

Adjective

She gave an animated description of the project.

After dinner, the discussion got more animated.

Many movies for kids are animated rather than live-action.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026

Apple launched Digital Touch to iPhones in 2014, allowing users to send animated sketches, taps and kisses to others. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Liam got started in Hollywood as a young actor and has voiced animated characters in films such as Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) and GOAT (2026). — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

The three episodes of this outstanding series that were made available cements the claim that some of the most creative animated storytelling is being generated from anime. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see animate entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing animated

• animated cartoon

Rhymes for animated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated

Kids Definition

animated

adjective

an·​i·​mat·​ed ˈan-ə-ˌmāt-əd 

1

: full of life and energy : lively

2

: appearing to be alive or moving

3

: made in the form of an animated cartoon

an animated movie

animatedly adverb

Medical Definition

animated

adjective

an·​i·​mat·​ed -ˌmāt-əd 

1

: endowed with life or the qualities of life

2

: full of movement and activity