spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ə-təd 

: full of energy, animation, or courage

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb

spiritedness noun

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

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

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

Greta Garbo played this tough-spirited woman of the world in her first speaking film role, in 1930, and continues to throw a nearly century-long shadow. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025

But does this spirited (pardon the pun) cleaning solution really work as a replacement for chemical cleaners? —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025

And of course, these evening plans can also double as a festive girl's night out or a spirited evening with your whole holiday crew. —Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025

Mackey, doing spirited work, is at her best when things are at their worst. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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