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

• fiery
• gingery
• high-spirited
• mettlesome
• peppery
• spunky

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

Whether American retirees have enough savings and benefits to live comfortably in retirement is, however, a matter of spirited debate. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025

In a spirited bidding war, Netflix has landed an adaptation of The Secret of Secrets, from author Dan Brown and showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Jack Ryan, Locke and Key), with a series order. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 May 2025

Following a series of spirited performances in the finale, the votes were counted, and Fradiani was declared the winner. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025

The sketches are spirited and pithy, and the cousins have also produced some very funny video sketches to play during scene transitions. —Lania Berger, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 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