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 Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Anderson is a popular figure within the Forest dressing room, where his energetic work-rate is reflected in his personality. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 These radioisotopes spontaneously transform into different elements and release radiation – energetic particles or light – in a process called radioactive decay. Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 Fortunately, the cast are just as energetic. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • Tourists are still enjoying Michigan's lineup of dynamic fall events amid Apple Month and Michigan Agritourism Month this October and are flexible to changing fall color patterns, said Nick Nerbonne, media and digital director for Travel Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Best Mixed Use Magnet Toy The magic of Magna-Tiles meets the thrill of racing with this dynamic expansion pack.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout an offseason devoted to expansive training, that spirit was on full display — including during the lively knockout games at Prentiss’ gym.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Discussions about the fast-changing international TV distribution market are ten-a-penny at industry conferences, but the group made a lively and worthwhile contribution to the pantheon.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ivory™ Camellia is a vigorous grower, maturing to a height of six to eight feet tall and spreading five to seven feet wide.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • And that’s what keeps you vigorous and engaged.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Vanderbilt hospital is the only Level 1 pediatric trauma center within 150 miles, the top designation verified by the American College of Surgeons for around-the-clock specialists, a high volume of trauma cases, robust research and quality patient care.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Griffin and Secretary of State Cole Jester stressed at Thursday's news conference that incidents of voter fraud are rare and that the state's election laws are some of the most robust in the country.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The clock change allows the hour of daylight to stay coordinated with the time most people are active outside.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Bohm, who wasn’t active for that matchup, drew a leadoff walk to start the second inning by waiting on a full-count fastball.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sell assets for picks and cap space and attack an aggressive rebuild this offseason.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Control an aggressive infestation with a preemergent herbicide applied in late summer before chickweed seeds germinate.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Oxygen bleach soaks—Oxygen bleach (not to be confused with chlorine bleach) is a gentle yet powerful whitening agent.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Riegel agrees, noting that the show doesn’t just settle into the tone of a typical animated series, in Critical Role’s style or otherwise.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Those episodes were made with the company's proprietary AI engine, fine-tuned for animated storytelling.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Energetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energetic. Accessed 8 Oct. 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!