1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective energetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of energetic are lusty, nervous, strenuous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

When can lusty be used instead of energetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to energetic, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When is it sensible to use nervous instead of energetic?

The words nervous and energetic can be used in similar contexts, but nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Where would strenuous be a reasonable alternative to energetic?

While the synonyms strenuous and energetic are close in meaning, strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is vigorous a more appropriate choice than energetic?

The synonyms vigorous and energetic are sometimes interchangeable, but vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

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 energetic Think of it as an energetic inheritance: the ability to release what’s no longer working and invest in deeper, more nourishing bonds. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 20 July 2025 The company utilizes many dance styles in its energetic, acrobatic performances from ballet to hip-hop. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025 Born 12 years apart, videos shared by their mom online show an energetic and happy Izzy Offett and a reserved Wayland Coe through the years. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 July 2025 These curious cats are energetic, curious and know their names. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • Born in Sarcelles, France, the dynamic duo has become known as Beyoncé's other set of twins, along with her 8-year-old children Sir and Rumi Carter.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • While bright moonlight can interfere with seeing meteors, August is still a dynamic month for skywatchers.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • But afterward, the musician’s fans transformed a typically morose event into a lively commemoration of life and music that stretched across Osbourne’s hometown.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • During a vigorous cross examination, prosecutors parsed through his story, questioning him on his history with police officers.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • Adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity — like walking, dancing or gardening — or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, Makarem added.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • But environmental groups are likely to fight any move to remove endangered species protections for wolves without strong evidence that they are no longer threatened, including a larger and more robust population in California.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Ice is cheaper in states like Minnesota and Michigan, where the competition is robust and many rinks are community-owned and -run.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • VanderWaal has remained active in the fashion week circuit, attending New York Fashion Week in February 2019, Paris Fashion Week in March 2020 and September 2022, and a three-peat at New York Fashion Week in February 2025.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • In the three years since the playoffs expanded, teams have remained active on the trade market.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Increasing widespread episodes of violence, threats and aggressive behaviors are taking a toll on nurses, doctors and medical staff, according to the study.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The corporation counsel must be aggressive in going after companies that cheat city laws.
    Harvey Epstein, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The World Meteorological Organization confirmed a new world record for lightning discharge distance The powerful lightning bolt, also known as a megaflash, stretched 515 miles from eastern Texas to Kansas City, Mo.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that neutralizes odors in your laundry while making your fabrics softer.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The live-action reimagining of Disney's beloved animated classic made a big splash at the worldwide box office after its release in late May, bringing in more than $300 million in its opening weekend.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 17 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Energetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energetic. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on energetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!