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

In 2025, 35% of the 42 million active film camera users worldwide were reported to be between the ages of 18 and 30. — Rotem Rozental, Fortune, 14 July 2026

There were three active fires in BWCAW, and 17 blazes altogether in the Superior National Forest as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Forest Service. — Alexandra Fine, ABC News, 14 July 2026

Daylight Saving Time, during which the sun appears to rise and set an hour later, is intended to better align the times when people are most active with the daylight. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 14 July 2026

Browning remained active in Nocturnus AD up until his death, releasing Paradox in 2019 and Unicursal in 2024. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026