animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

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 animated
Adjective
Story Kitchen has a first-look TV deal at Amazon, as well as a first-look deal at DreamWorks Animation for animated film. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025 The stirring and sensitive Runa Simi follows an indigenous Peruvian man and his young son in their ambitious quest to fully dub Disney’s animated The Lion King in their native Quechua — and, in the process, protect and rescue this disappearing Peruvian language. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Lazarus is produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA. Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Brody worked the room like an architect with a plan, getting animated in a discussion with Board of Governors member Rita Wilson and then regaling SAG Award orator Jane Fonda at the bar. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • Such seemingly minor biographical details are what animate L’Enchanteur, which was born in 2012 after Soull and Dynasty merged their independent labels—Alkhemi9 and BRZÉ, respectively.
    Thessaly La Force, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Users do have creative freedom — freedom to learn to draw, animate, write, score, or direct their own projects.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The user's tale went on to generate a lively conversation in the comments section of the post.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 8 May 2025
  • Domingo, one of the earliest VIP arrivals at the party, was showing off his style on the lane, ball in hand, as the lively room continued to fill up.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • New hotels are addressing the long-standing lack of good accommodations, and the harbor is now a busy stop for cruise ships bound for Lisbon and Málaga.
    Christopher Bagley, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
  • Topline Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a lengthy air traffic control outage Sunday morning, shortly before Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the airport should scale back its operations amid air traffic control issues at the busy New Jersey airport.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • That motion can help build strength that translates over to tons of daily tasks, like walking an energetic dog or opening a heavy door, to name a few.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025
  • With energetic DJs and robata shows, this is definitely the place to be seen.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • And one of my personal favorites, a fiery abstract piece in Iñaki’s private dining room, was fashioned from curlicue cones of vibrant recycled paper.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025
  • What To Know The volcano's summit features a caldera—formed by volcanic eruptions—and supports vibrant hydrothermal vent ecosystems populated by microbes, tube worms, crabs, fish, octopuses and more.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Police may switch from active pursuit when the driver is speeding or behaving erratically.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Transfer portal Campbell hasn’t written much about the portal, and Texas Tech has been an active user in recent years.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • In a thriving and competitive women's division, the consistent presence of a talent like Bliss would undoubtedly provide a substantial boost, injecting another layer of depth, star power, and compelling storylines into the roster.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Economic Growth: Promoting policies that attract businesses, support local entrepreneurship, and ensure access to opportunities for all residents, contributing to a thriving and sustainable Fort Worth economy.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The chippies, pubs and merchandise stalls on Goodison Road are doing brisk business, as fans arrive extra early to soak up precious last memories.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Adames began jogging around the bases, but his trot soon slowed into a brisk walk.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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