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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective energetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of energetic are lusty, nervous, strenuous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

When can lusty be used instead of energetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to energetic, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When is it sensible to use nervous instead of energetic?

The words nervous and energetic can be used in similar contexts, but nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Where would strenuous be a reasonable alternative to energetic?

While the synonyms strenuous and energetic are close in meaning, strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is vigorous a more appropriate choice than energetic?

The synonyms vigorous and energetic are sometimes interchangeable, but vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

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 energetic Unfortunately, the bulk of the requisite moralizing falls mainly to Palmer’s socially conscious Elena, saddled with one too many speeches about making a difference, which puts a damper on the actress’ customary energetic spark. Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 That’s why having the moon in Aries on Monday and Tuesday might feel like an energetic detox and a push to let go of lingering fears and reclaim your power in connections. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 7 Sep. 2025 There’s a simmering rage and self-loathing to Blakey, which Latif matches in the form of unpredictable camera motion, but these introductory moments are about as energetic as the movie ever gets. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 There are no rock concert-style hand mikes or microphone stands as in the original, and the energetic, ritualistic dancing in this production is unique. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • Saturday's opponent, Arkansas State, promises to have a much more dynamic attack with quarterback Jaylen Raynor and plenty of speed at the skill positions.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Argentina squad has continued to get younger and more dynamic.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While in La Latina, its winding medieval lanes overflow with lively tapas bars and local chatter.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, this doesn’t mean that someone with strong justice cannot be angry or vigorous about addressing injustices.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And some blue states have been more vigorous about gerrymandering.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Naturally robust, dividing daylilies takes a bit of elbow grease.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Film Festival with a robust lineup led by female filmmakers, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in international cinema through diverse storytelling approaches.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking of the 2023 playoffs, the Rangers active 28-man roster features only three players who were also on their ‘23 postseason roster.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To qualify for a portion of the county arts funding, organizations must be active 501(c)3 entities, located and operating in Milwaukee County, organized for the primary purpose of producing or presenting the arts, and open to the general public, according to the county's application terms.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mid-summer changes to United’s revolving credit facility indicated a switch in strategy, and there was a more aggressive approach in the market following a summit in Iceland between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At each camp, the team leaves behind a small but powerful item, a red card that explains what to do during encounters with immigration officials.
    David Rodriguez Muñoz, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The inclusion highlights Taiwan’s growing reputation in short-form and animated cinema.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During the trial, after Cardi took the stand to deliver her testimony, several of her impassioned exchanges with the plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Energetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energetic. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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