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
The new live-action Predator movie looks kind of terrible, but the animated Killer of Killers looks excellent and is already doing well with critics and audiences (98%/88% on Rotten Tomatoes). Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 The original run is one of the greatest kid/family/whatever animated comedies of all time. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 5 June 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
  • That early and incisive stance on monopoly power foreshadows the themes that animate Market Crafters.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The objects appear startlingly animate, as if bodies and ethnographic specimens are hanging on display.
    Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • For much of the day New Haven Green was filled with a Juneteenth Village and Marketplace, including loud and lively hip-hop acts.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025
  • The small but lively crowd of 14,312 at the Rose Bowl gasped in disbelief as Deossa and his teammates celebrated what instantly became a contender for the goal of the tournament — only to be possibly upstaged by his fellow midfielder Corona nine minutes later.
    Austin Green, New York Times, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • He's got a busy schedule ahead, starring in season 2 of Peacock's Twisted Metal and Alex Winter's upcoming Adulthood.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, Lucas was busy writing his own take on Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, before ultimately deciding to hand off his empire to the House of Mouse.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Astronomers analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered a population of tiny, energetic galaxies that may have been key players in clearing the cosmic fog that shrouded the universe after the Big Bang.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025
  • They are characterized by energetic mark-making, a profound understanding of color, and complex, absorbing compositions.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond its legal and historical significance, Juneteenth has long been a vibrant cultural celebration.
    Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
  • The event will highlight Poway’s vibrant business community.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is looking at an active summer.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Open-ear earbuds -- meaning buds with a tip that does not entirely seal off the ear canal -- are not supposed to be able to offer strong active noise cancellation.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders who invest in the holistic health of their workforce can foster resilience, drive performance and cultivate a thriving organizational culture.
    Loubna Noureddin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • What makes this destination particularly exciting to visit is the chance to explore its thriving arts scene.
    Essence, Essence, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Luis Costa, global head of EM sovereign credit at Citigroup Global Markets, signaled the muted reaction could be, in part, attributed to hopes of a brisk resolution to the conflict.
    Ruxandra Iordache,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 June 2025
  • Related article Prevent low back pain with this simple lifestyle change The findings showed that as the amount of daily walking increased, the risk of chronic low back pain decreased, and preliminary evidence revealed moderate or brisk walking was more protective than a slow pace, Pocovi said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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