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 animated fantasy sequel is co-directed by MTJJ (Zhang Ping) and Gu Jie. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2025 Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old; naturally creative, enthusiastic and animated; able to positively interact non-verbally with guests; able to walk, climb and stand while wearing a heavy, oversized and confining full body character costume for up to 20-30 minutes at a time. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 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
  • Royster recalled her animate Catholic teachings and love of Pope Francis’s vision for the church and the prophetic role to hold the government accountable.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While Earn and Learn helps teenager find employment, the program’s participants have been on a steady decrease since 2022 Kylee Jackson, 15, has kept her mornings busy this summer.
    Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been busy in the transfer window, but could more incomings be on the way?
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The energetic period piece follows five young and wealthy American women in the 1870s, who travel to London searching for husbands.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The book reads like a love letter to America's immigrant communities, reflecting her travels from the Cambodian enclaves of Lowell, Massachusetts, to the vibrant streets of Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Arizona, Miami, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, and El Paso.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The world is finally embracing the vibrant rhythms and authentic storytelling that have been a part of our heritage for generations.
    Nkosiyati Khumalo, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Actively Prioritize Human Sustainability HR professionals should play a more active role in human sustainability.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a nonprofit that tracks political violence, the Proud Boys have been less active in 2025 than over the preceding several years.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s despite the genre’s massive sales and streaming numbers, its dominance on the charts, and its own thriving music video tradition.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • For her part, LePatner said UJA had been integral in her growth as a business executive with a thriving Jewish identity.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Even moderate activity, like a daily brisk walk, can improve digestion.
    Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
  • This could be in the form of weightlifting, cycling, jogging, playing tennis or other heart-pumping sports, or even brisk walks and aquarobics.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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