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 Coach Sean McVay indicated the last few weeks that the Rams were unlikely to be active at the deadline. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026 The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee is offering free admission on November 11 to veterans and active-duty personnel, plus one adult and up to four children. — Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026 The active ingredient — 2 percent salicylic acid (which is the strongest concentration that can be in an over-the-counter product) — is encapsulated and released slowly over time, preventing the area from drying up. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026 The company recently announced has more than 1 billion active monthly users worldwide for its products. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Nov. 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
  • The Georgia park was closed on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled non-operating day, officials said.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of operating
Adjective
  • Laser cooling slowed the atoms, and evaporative cooling removed the most energetic ones, allowing the remaining atoms to form a condensate inside an optical dipole trap.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The energetic forward missed the first nine games of the season because of swelling in his left knee.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • Woodward's defenders describe him as smart, deeply engaged and willing to take the hits that come with leadership.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Director Barry Levinson’s collaborative spirit kept him engaged.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • This shift ensures more personnel are directly supporting investigations, operational activities, and partnerships in communities nationwide.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Their electronics and other systems might remain operational, but limited fuel can end their usefulness.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of operational
Adjective
  • Common areas also include a lively lobby bar and cigar room for pours and puffs, respectively, as well as an impressive wine list with bottles sourced from all over the world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That was the message behind a lively conversation at The Chef Assembly in Charlotte, a two-day gathering of leading chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and hospitality professionals to explore conversations shaping the restaurant industry.
    — Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • Pork buns were laying on the preparation table unattended, without diligent preparation, while employees were cooking and preparing other meals.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The Devil’s Chair Trail was previously closed because of storm damage, but reopened thanks to the diligent work of county staff.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • Levine Cava’s campaign manager, Democratic operative Christian Ulvert, also ran Lopez’s campaign.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • When Wilson sent me her timeline, her request for the operative actions of the city (resolutions and ordinances) was nearly four weeks old.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of operative
Adjective
  • Co-written by Sandra Fassio, who also produced Night Vision with Yates, the film, which also features animated segments, gets its world premiere at the 30th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Estonia.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2026
  • There’s this desire, understandable on its face, to make the design and aesthetics of the live-action world recognizably similar to the animated world.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of animated

Browse Nearby Words

activators
active
actively
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Cite this Entry

“Active.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/active. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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