spirited
adjective
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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".
Synonyms
Examples of spirited in a Sentence
Michael Cavna, Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2023
While celebrating its 75th anniversary this fall and a spirited revival, New York City Ballet is performing 18 ballets by its founding choreographer, George Balanchine.
—Joshua Barone, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023
Make these spirited holiday cocktails for an adults-only party—just be sure to have some hot chocolate stocked for the kids.
—Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023
The Toreros then went out and played one of their most spirited games of the year.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2023
Although they've been retuned, Nissan chose to stick with a passive option here, and that decision negatively impacts the Z Nismo's ride quality at lower speeds and limits its composure when subjected to road imperfections and other suspension events during spirited drives out in the canyons.
—Bradley Iger, Ars Technica, 9 Nov. 2023
Watch Walken’s spirited appearance in the cold open below.
—William Earl, Variety, 28 Oct. 2023
Active Time: 15 mins Total Time: 40 mins Servings:
8
A Thanksgiving punch is a great way to greet your guests and get everyone feeling spirited and bright.
—Joy Wilson, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2023
Grab a mask and dodge a spirited ballet dancer in The Rosin Box Project’s interactive dance theater event at the Horton Grand Theatre
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The definition of a ghost light?
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spirited.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1601, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing spirited
Dictionary Entries Near spirited
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirited. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
spirited
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on spirited
Nglish: Translation of spirited for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of spirited for Arabic Speakers
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