energetic

adjective

en·​er·​get·​ic ˌe-nər-ˈje-tik 

1

: operating with or marked by vigor or effect

2

: marked by energy : strenuous

an energetic walk

3

: of or relating to energy

energetically

ˌe-nər-ˈje-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of energetic

• dynamic
• vigorous
• lively
• robust
• powerful

Choose the Right Synonym for energetic

vigorous, energetic, strenuous, lusty, nervous mean having or showing great vitality and force.

vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Examples of energetic in a Sentence

She has an energetic personality.

The children are energetic workers.

They mounted an energetic campaign.

Recent Examples on the Web

The auditorium at The Highland Center hosts everything from energetic clogging groups to toe-tapping bluegrass bands for a $5 entry fee (or with the festival keychain). —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

In some cases, the full head ensemble can weigh over 10 pounds, placing considerable physical strain on the performers — particularly during energetic dance sequences. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

Which of the Celtics’ energetic young wings (Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh) will remain in Mazzulla’s rotation? —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

The negativity dissipates as a young man walks into the clubhouse, baseball cap on backward for the moment, energetic and respectful and joyful and supremely confident. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek energētikos, from energein to be active, from energos

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing energetic

• hyper-energetic

Rhymes for energetic

• alphabetic
• anaesthetic
• anesthetic
• antithetic
• apathetic
• arithmetic
• cybernetic
• diabetic
• dietetic
• diuretic
• empathetic
• geodetic

Kids Definition

energetic

adjective

en·​er·​get·​ic ˌen-ər-ˈjet-ik 

: having or showing energy : active

an energetic salesperson

energetically

-ˈjet-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

energetic

adjective

en·​er·​get·​ic ˌen-ər-ˈjet-ik 

: of or relating to energy

energetic equation