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

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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 These engines power quasars—active galactic nuclei that emit some of the brightest light astronomers can possibly see in the sky. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 July 2026 Moreover, Thursday ranked as the largest day of active net reduction in AI tech beneficiaries, leaving the [long/short] ratio in broad AI at a 5-year low. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026 Up to now, Cowork had only been available for users operating on specific devices, which needed to remain open and active for work to be completed, and users could not operate Cowork via multiple devices using one account. — Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 7 July 2026 Some types of frozen yogurt, such as those made with live and active cultures, can be a better option for gut health than traditional ice cream. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 July 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
  • 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
  • Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.
    — Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of operating
Adjective
  • Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • Brazil were energetic and vertical, Vinicius Junior and Rayan stretched their opponents and Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner was just reward.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • The six-reservation threshold is low enough to feel attainable, but high enough to identify diners who are more engaged than the casual user.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • In the public unveiling, the interceptor detected and engaged target drones in real time.
    — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • Adding to this context, engineering manager Roel Verhoeven noted that the primary hurdle for commercial fusion is ensuring that plants can actually be serviced throughout their operational lifespans.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • North Korea first unveiled the Choe Hyon in April 2025, which Kim portrayed as a major step toward expanding his military’s operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of operational
Adjective
  • Set the scene Morea House’s contemporary, angular facade faces right out onto the beach from where the lively V&A Waterfront is a 20-minute drive north, with Sea Point, another popular stretch of seafront, just 11 minutes away by car.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Known for its sprawling waterfront cottages and lively social scene, Muskoka sets the stage as relationships, careers, and personal lives collide.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • Bowen plays the diligent pro golf tour director of public relations and Happy’s kind, caring love interest Virginia Venit.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Now, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says its diligent job is done, signaling full containment of the fires soon.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • The upcoming Splatoon Raiders ditches the series' trademark, competitive multiplayer shooting, to focus entirely on single-player and co-operative raids.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • The automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of operative
Adjective
  • The animated film, made with a budget between $150 million and $200 million, has earned upward of $763 million globally less than a month after its release.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The Rick and Morty world is one of the most involved animated series ever created and obviously takes up a lot of brain power to pull together.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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