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

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