1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vivacious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vivacious are animated, gay, lively, and sprightly. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

When is animated a more appropriate choice than vivacious?

Although the words animated and vivacious have much in common, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

Where would gay be a reasonable alternative to vivacious?

The words gay and vivacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use lively instead of vivacious?

While in some cases nearly identical to vivacious, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When could sprightly be used to replace vivacious?

The synonyms sprightly and vivacious are sometimes interchangeable, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

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 vivacious Featuring the vivacious sounds of Ms. BUT-TAH, the Buttahluv Band and her cast of all-star performers. Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 23 June 2025 The momentum continues as Mercury — the planet of communication and thought processes — enters vivacious Leo on June 26, adding a passionate, vivacious and cinematic flair to our conversations and exchanges. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 June 2025 This vivacious placement evokes the desire for attention, recognition and excitement. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 June 2025 Akerman, dark-haired and vivacious, is from Colombia, born and brought up in Bogotá. Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • The energetic period piece follows five young and wealthy American women in the 1870s, who travel to London searching for husbands.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dad was proof that life didn’t end—indeed, could become more joyful—after sobriety.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Bangladeshi pre-wedding party was filled with joyful music and dancing, plus purifying turmeric blessings.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • His exuberant new novel, The Gossip Columnist’s Daughter, packs the punch of his short stories, dramatizing a real-life unsolved murder, both a homage to Hollywood noir and a meditation on how and why our deepest connections can betray us.
    Book Marks August 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Match their energy level If someone’s profile hints that they’re reserved, don’t go overboard with exclamation points and an exuberant first message.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As one of several interactive experiences, guests will be able to spin a 3D prize wheel with Luigi, Lavazza’s animated robot, for a chance to win keepsake merch and coffee prizes.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • An animated CoComelon film from Universal Pictures is in the works for release the same year.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Ortega plays the young version of Jane in 30 episodes of this effervescent comedy series, a role that helped launch her into Disney Channel stardom and more.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Known for her effervescent personality and matching good looks, Anderson became a fixture of the small screen in the 1970s and 1980s.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Actively Prioritize Human Sustainability HR professionals should play a more active role in human sustainability.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Fans can vote for most categories through the VMAs website through Sept. 5 — except for Best New Artist, for which voting will remain active into the show.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nest Lychee Rose is bubblier and way more rose-forward, Kayali Sparkling Lychee has more fruit variety but less actual lychee somehow.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2025
  • The difference is subtle, but the fine filter creates milk that's a bit bubblier than the ultrafine filter.
    Jaina Grey, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

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!