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lively

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lively contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lively are animated, gay, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

In what contexts can animated take the place of lively?

The synonyms animated and lively are sometimes interchangeable, but animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When could gay be used to replace lively?

The meanings of gay and lively largely overlap; however, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When can sprightly be used instead of lively?

The words sprightly and lively are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When is it sensible to use vivacious instead of lively?

Although the words vivacious and lively have much in common, vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

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 lively
Adjective
In lieu of bunking in the 4,000-square-foot Lord House, built in 1962 just off of Mulholland Drive, rent it out by the hour and host a lively pool party. Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025 Thus began a lively rivalry with Lee, who quickly learned Clemens possesses a killer serve. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The siren song of affordable fare, good drinks, evening grooves and a comparatively more down-to-earth crowd has kept this place a lively yet relaxed hotspot, especially in the summertime when people are known to either dive into the channel’s briny waters. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 May 2025 He’s given the film’s starring role to Frank Dillane, who delivers a career-launching, protean performance as the lively, moody, violent Mike. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • Today, DeVos said that Eliana, now 3, is a happy and energetic toddler, and her scar is hardly noticeable.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • Astronomers have captured the most energetic explosions ever recorded in the universe since the big bang as massive stars get ripped apart by supermassive black holes.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Get a grip on this vibrant trend with designer tips for using colorful hardware in your home.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
  • The vibrant nightlife scene was rounded out each day of runway shows and networking opportunities, with Miami’s legendary party culture infusing the Swim Week energy.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • For all his success in the animated realm, DeBlois has never directed a live-action film until now.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
  • The United Kingdom, for instance, offers a 25.5% tax rebate on 80% of a production’s expenditures in the UK, with higher rebates for animated and independent films.
    Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • For him, a slow summer simply means lazy days and not being busy, just enjoying the summer.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 16 June 2025
  • Volunteer security personnel helped gather people back to the sidewalks and helped pedestrians cross busy intersections.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is looking at an active summer.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Open-ear earbuds -- meaning buds with a tip that does not entirely seal off the ear canal -- are not supposed to be able to offer strong active noise cancellation.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The objects appear startlingly animate, as if bodies and ethnographic specimens are hanging on display.
    Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Throughout the book, land and water are animate, so rivers speak and murmur and remember and address the reader.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • This includes tech startups like Queen One, which just signed a 10-year lease for its new headquarters in Williamsburg, joining a thriving innovation ecosystem in Brooklyn and contributing to New York City’s status as the applied AI capital of the world.
    Adolfo Carrión Jr, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
  • Once a thriving port city, Ephesus is thought to have been originally settled around 1200 BCE, towards the end of the Bronze age.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Examples include moderate or brisk walking, water aerobics, doubles tennis, slow cycling, or ballroom dancing.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
  • The sun peeked out, but brisk winds were blowing and temperatures only climbed to the high 40s near the lakefront.
    Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lively

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