animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of animated
Adjective
The animated fantasy sequel is co-directed by MTJJ (Zhang Ping) and Gu Jie. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2025 Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old; naturally creative, enthusiastic and animated; able to positively interact non-verbally with guests; able to walk, climb and stand while wearing a heavy, oversized and confining full body character costume for up to 20-30 minutes at a time. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
Lazarus is produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA. Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Brody worked the room like an architect with a plan, getting animated in a discussion with Board of Governors member Rita Wilson and then regaling SAG Award orator Jane Fonda at the bar. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • If the story is slight, the development of the characters through the songs’ lyrics and the performances of them animate and elevate the proceedings.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The panel of creators will discuss the role of narrative art in society while tracing humanity’s innate desire to draw, animate and bring to life stories across the millennia.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • From intimate evenings at home to lively dinner parties, Wine Chips make every sip more memorable.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Stay at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, in walking distance to the Alamo and a few minutes drive to the Pearl District, a lively shopping and dining hub.
    Essence, Essence, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While Earn and Learn helps teenager find employment, the program’s participants have been on a steady decrease since 2022 Kylee Jackson, 15, has kept her mornings busy this summer.
    Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been busy in the transfer window, but could more incomings be on the way?
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The resulting text has an energetic momentum and an almost cinematic quality.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
  • While extroverts often perform best in collaborative, energetic spaces, introverts frequently do their most thoughtful work in quieter, less stimulating settings.
    Jennifer Kamara, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As a city known for its tech industry and vibrant communities, Seattle has attracted several national and regional internet providers.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The city’s vibrant nightlife and large student population create opportunities for both petty and serious offenses.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dormant grass gets active once temperatures increase, so don't fertilize before then.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Details on the election process are thin, but many citizens could be casting their votes in an active conflict zone or under the eyes of armed soldiers – a terrifying prospect that some say could lead to more violence.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Modern humans are evolutionary survivors, thriving generation after generation while our ancient relatives died out.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Long renowned for its thriving seafood scene, Massachusetts draws tourists each year to dine on steamers, oysters and New England clam chowder, but this storied state is perhaps best known for its lobster.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Analysts expect brisk growth in the next two years.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The new nine-speed transmission offers brisk, usually seamless shifts; though at times the acceleration can feel a bit segmented.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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