active

adjective

ˈak-tiv How to pronounce active (audio)
Definition of activenext
1
as in operating
being in effective operation the abandoned factory had not been active for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement the fish are active today, but we still haven't caught anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in engaged
involved in often constant activity all morning the crowd at the coffeehouse kept Marion and her helper pretty active

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 active That's when the species of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are most active, according to the department. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Both perspectives are necessary, but without active translation, companies end up with skilled teams that can’t align. — Nik Froehlich, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Researchers now want to determine whether wireless power transmission can keep those systems active for significantly longer periods. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 By the end of 2025, there were 1,907 combined active and pipeline branded residential developments worldwide, according to industry research firm Global Branded Residences. — Zahra Tayeb, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for active
Recent Examples of Synonyms for active
  1. operating
  2. energetic
  3. engaged
  4. operational
  5. lively
  6. diligent
  7. operative
  8. animated
Adjective
  • That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
  • True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Definition of operating
Adjective
  • Bergé—still blustery and energetic at sixty-eight—flanks Saint Laurent protectively as the two leave their hotel for the ceremony, where the designer is set to receive a lifetime-achievement award.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As a rookie last season, Watkins established himself as one of the Wizards’ most energetic and physical perimeter defenders.
    — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • Across the country, laws have changed, communities have taken a harder look at aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance, and homeowners have become more engaged in conversations about the financial sustainability and safety of their buildings.
    — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Stay engaged in the conversation instead of multitasking or checking your phone.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • As airlines promote their eco-friendly initiatives this summer, experts advise looking past the marketing to find companies making genuine operational changes.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • With characterization finished, GRETA is entering its regular operational phase as a primary instrument for FRIB users.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of operational
Adjective
  • Players have long complained about less-lively balls that force them to swing harder to hit them through the court.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The pilot sets up interesting tensions between Duke and surrogate father Kingsley and a livelier adversarial role for Pinnock, but Kingsley is gone for the majority of the six episodes (out of eight) sent to critics and Pinnock’s absence is felt.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • The unknowable force that does not lend itself to hope, prayer, diligent actions, good intentions or rigorous effort.
    — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • James also arrives at the arena atypically early, part of a diligent pregame routine.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • Studzinski’s focus at Ole Miss was on post-operative care, working alongside the sports performance team to get athletes back on the field.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • In another study looking at post operative patients, results were similar.
    — Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of operative
Adjective
  • In Thursday’s announcement, Canal+ highlighted that the new deal would also see a strengthening of its support for new filmmakers and new styles of filmmaking; debut films and emerging talent; diversity film and animated films.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 July 2026
  • Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of animated

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Cite this Entry

“Active.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/active. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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