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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 Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Anderson is a popular figure within the Forest dressing room, where his energetic work-rate is reflected in his personality. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 These radioisotopes spontaneously transform into different elements and release radiation – energetic particles or light – in a process called radioactive decay. Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 Fortunately, the cast are just as energetic. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The panelists will share insights on how to harness hallmark moments for brand recognition, as well as how to combine brands with new sectors through innovative thinking and engage influencers in dynamic, culturally relevant ways.
    William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With eight children in total, the Baldwin family blends Hollywood legacy with a lively, modern-day parenting journey.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The wave of debuts was of course the conversation of the week, bringing a sense of buzz and freshness that made Paris feel lively and full of energy.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ivory™ Camellia is a vigorous grower, maturing to a height of six to eight feet tall and spreading five to seven feet wide.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • And that’s what keeps you vigorous and engaged.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The American Chemistry Council took issue with the report’s findings on low birth weight and liver issues, arguing that the evidence wasn’t as robust as the report claimed.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Although the West has humanoid robotics players such as Boston Dynamics and Tesla, China occupies the industry’s vanguard thanks to its huge market, a mature industrial base of chips, sensors, and batteries, as well as robust state support.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The clock change allows the hour of daylight to stay coordinated with the time most people are active outside.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Bohm, who wasn’t active for that matchup, drew a leadoff walk to start the second inning by waiting on a full-count fastball.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sell assets for picks and cap space and attack an aggressive rebuild this offseason.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Control an aggressive infestation with a preemergent herbicide applied in late summer before chickweed seeds germinate.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Oxygen bleach soaks—Oxygen bleach (not to be confused with chlorine bleach) is a gentle yet powerful whitening agent.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tour news was first shared with select media and fans at a top-secret private event Sunday night at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland that included a viewing of Rush’s induction speeches and performance and ended with a loose, animated interview with Lee and Lifeson.
    Annie Zaleski, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The director and father of two made that concern a driving principle of his new film, Scarlet, a fantastical animated adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that opens at New York Film Festival next week.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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