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

First-time candidate Sarah Bury, an environmental lawyer, has launched a spirited, grassroots campaign. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Hockey is the top Winter Games sport among gamblers, but curling with its sliding stones, spirited sweeping and cheating allegations has surprised oddsmakers. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

The creative duo embark on a weekend excursion to sample the city’s spirited mix of regional history, world-class innovation, and natural splendor—discovering how much is in reach of this buzzy but unhurried Gulf nexus. —Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026

Dickinson was known to share strong opinions that veered negative and even mean-spirited on the judging panel. —Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026

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