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

As part of the promotion, each meal comes with a pair of spirited socks featuring a message from the Grinch and available in a range of four suitably unhinged colors. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

After weeks of emotional heaviness and intense revelations, the energy begins to feel lighter as the sun enters the spirited and truth-seeking sign of Sagittarius. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Each meal will come with one pair of spirited socks, hand-picked and personalized by The Grinch himself. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025

Oklahoma ran out the clock from there, setting off a spirited celebration by its visiting fans. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 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