Synonyms of active

active

adjective

ˈak-tiv 

1

as in operating

being in effective operation

the abandoned factory had not been active for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operating
• operational
• operative
• functioning
• running
• working
• functional
• on
• going
• alive
• live
• in force
• operable
• in commission
• living
• effective
• viable
• on line
• in gear
• useful
• effectual
• productive
• dynamic
• producing
• busy
• usable
• employable
• serving
• performing
• flourishing
• workable
• thriving
• bustling
• humming
• yielding
• astir
• roaring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inactive
• dead
• broken
• inoperative
• nonoperative
• nonfunctional
• nonfunctioning
• useless
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• nonoperational
• nonactivated
• nonoperating
• deactivated
• idle
• dormant
• inert
• latent
• arrested
• quiescent
• decommissioned
• kaput
• unusable
• inoperable
• unworkable
• unproductive
• sleepy
• fallow
• lifeless
• nonproductive
• asleep
• stagnating
• vegetating

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

• energetic
• lively
• animated
• animate
• brisk
• enthusiastic
• bouncing
• awake
• spirited
• cheerful
• playful
• vital
• kinetic
• vivacious
• perky
• gay
• frisky
• sprightly
• springy
• sparky
• racy
• peppy
• spanking
• jazzy
• jaunty
• agile
• pert
• mettlesome
• zippy
• eager
• airy
• snappy
• bright
• up
• on the go
• alert
• pizzazzy
• wide-awake
• dapper
• nimble
• buoyant
• dashing
• spiffy
• spry
• effervescent
• upbeat
• keen
• nervous
• exuberant
• boisterous
• bubbly
• chirpy
• chipper
• sparkly
• open-eyed
• ebullient
• impish
• agog
• high-spirited
• frolicsome
• high-strung
• chirrupy
• skittish
• pixieish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inactive
• dead
• limp
• lifeless
• inanimate
• listless
• lazy
• languid
• leaden
• inert
• indolent
• weary
• tired
• sluggish
• sleepy
• lethargic
• lackadaisical
• vapid
• languishing
• spiritless
• languorous
• apathetic
• impassive
• stolid
• boring
• tedious
• dull
• unambitious
• torpid
• irksome
• phlegmatic

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

• engaged
• diligent
• busy
• employed
• occupied
• working
• preoccupied
• industrious
• assiduous
• immersed
• bustling
• sedulous
• laborious
• hopping
• lively
• absorbed
• operating
• focused
• vibrant
• concentrating
• operational
• functioning
• buzzing
• energetic
• tied-up
• operative
• thriving
• animated
• humming
• going
• vigorous
• functional
• flourishing
• engrossed
• running
• happening
• hardworking
• tireless
• living
• alive
• intent
• knee-deep
• indefatigable
• swamped
• astir
• untiring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inactive
• idle
• unemployed
• free
• unoccupied
• passive
• dormant
• latent
• quiescent
• sleepy
• inert
• lifeless
• unbusy
• slow
• asleep
• dead
• dull
• inoperative
• nonoperating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of active

Some varieties also contain live and active cultures, but not all cottage cheese is probiotic. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Unity and Communion Progressive Catholicism has long been an active force in both the Church and American public life. — Colleen Dulle, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Westlake has five active NFL players and one Heisman Trophy winner alumnus, former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Tight end Elija Lofton was active in the pass game against Wake Forest, catching five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026