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
One of the brothers used a carbon-fibre pole while attempting to get the bird down and touched the live wires on the power line, killing him instantly.
—
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
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
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for live wires
Noun
-
They were armed with Glock pistols, which are only accurate for a short distance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
-
Across the room are two pistols.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Superfoods are known as nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential components for a healthy lifestyle.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
-
Finishing first would likely help the USMNT avoid one of the powerhouses in the knockouts early.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Live wires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/live%20wires. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
