1
as in pistols
a very energetic person
the babysitter will have her hands full with those two little live wires
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerhouses
an ambitious person who eagerly goes after what is desired
that new reporter on the police beat is a real live wire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 live wires
On the other hand, the Cracker Barrel debacle touched so many live wires of American politics that the story was simply irresistible.
—
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for live wires
Noun
-
Most often heard as a voice in Mark’s earpiece, Cecil enters the fight in Invincible VS with specialized weapons, including plasma pistols, projectile launchers and grenades to keep opponents at a distance.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
-
In May, 1967, the Black Panthers entered the California Capitol Building with shotguns, pistols, and rifles to protest stricter gun-control laws.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Alienware Gaming Laptop Deal Alienware offers a wide range of gaming laptops, from entry-level models to ultra-high-end powerhouses.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Taylor Swift, Adele, Kenny Chesney, Rihanna, Jay-Z and Bob Dylan, plus such music powerhouses as Spotify, UMG and even spinning giant Peloton rely on these lawyers for navigation, strategy and to bring in the big bucks.—
Claudia Rosenbaum,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Live wires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/live%20wires. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share