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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 There was talk about that being a different 20/20, a better 2020, a more lively 20/20, a more energetic 20/20. EW.com, 24 June 2025 Days after Rhonda was adopted, she was returned due to her energetic nature. Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025 Mamdani’s energetic run has been hard not to notice. Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 Over the past decade, researchers have conducted multiple experiments using vast expanses of water and ice that are designed to search for neutrinos, which could shed light on mysterious cosmic rays, the most highly energetic particles in the universe. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • In Marvel’s Ironheart, the world of technology collides with the supernatural, creating a fresh, dynamic chapter in the MCU.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Amazon $399 Bose $400 Best Buy The Bose Soundlink Mac (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the ultimate modern boombox, thanks to huge dynamic drivers, massive bass, and an awesome ropelike carrying handle.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • In February, a lively and well-attended protest march took over the streets of downtown McAllen; a news site compared it to a celebration after a high-school-football victory.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 7 July 2025
  • The nightlife scene is surprisingly buzzy, with local favorites such as the Silver Dollar Bar and Saloon and the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar offering live music and a lively crowd.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jane Street has disputed the findings and is expected to mount a vigorous defense.
    Daniel Schlaepfer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • One positive blessing today is that your health feels vigorous and strong!
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Also, smart operational technology (OT) works hand-in-hand with IT which can require a robust foundation of computing, connectivity, data management, and cybersecurity.
    John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The former appeals for its charming Victorian architecture and robust bar scene while the latter offers proximity to such family-friendly attractions as the New Children’s Museum, South Embarcadero Esplanade, and several waterfront parks.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • State records show that Glass House holds multiple active licenses to grow cannabis.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • These insects have been active since the end of June.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • And signs have emerged that the White House may be misreading Trump’s election mandate and the political moment, with new polls showing public sentiment turning nationwide on the president’s increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • With that in mind, it's expected the Dodgers will be very aggressive at the trade deadline.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most powerful moments of the night was the Waiting to Exhale tribute, beautifully curated by Adam Blackstone.
    Essence, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • This Summer Personal branding is one of the most powerful ways to reach your goals.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The firm, which was founded three years ago by Julian Jacob, will then focus on transforming other toy brands into animated and live-action series, digital shorts, casual and mobile games, and immersive formats designed for today’s digitally native generation.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 July 2025
  • Martinsen described Arlo as an unusually animated and communicative baby.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Energetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energetic. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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