liveliness 1 of 3

lively

2 of 3

adverb

lively

3 of 3

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 liveliness
Adjective
Fear not, for these screenings all about having fun, letting loose, and experiencing one of the summer's hottest movies the way it was meant to be: in a packed theater with a lively crowd. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Stay at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, in walking distance to the Alamo and a few minutes drive to the Pearl District, a lively shopping and dining hub. Essence, 21 Aug. 2025 Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liveliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liveliness
Noun
  • Though the Red Planet is fading in brightness, the pairing will be a rewarding sight for anyone with a clear horizon — and perhaps a pair of binoculars, too.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The projector uses a triple laser for its display, has a 4K UHD resolution, three HDMI ports (including one that can be used to send high-quality ARC audio to your sound system), and a peak brightness that’s comparable with far pricier projectors.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The resulting text has an energetic momentum and an almost cinematic quality.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
  • While extroverts often perform best in collaborative, energetic spaces, introverts frequently do their most thoughtful work in quieter, less stimulating settings.
    Jennifer Kamara, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the heart of Columbia Tusculum, where Cincinnati's oldest neighborhood breathes with vibrant, historic energy, April Combs Mann struck a new kind of chord.
    Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Costa Mujeres is located right on the Caribbean Sea, known for its warm, turquoise waters and vibrant marine life.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As one of several interactive experiences, guests will be able to spin a 3D prize wheel with Luigi, Lavazza’s animated robot, for a chance to win keepsake merch and coffee prizes.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • An animated CoComelon film from Universal Pictures is in the works for release the same year.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2025 college football offseason was busy for the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Getty Images Swifties have been busy celebrating Taylor Swift’s engagement to Travis Kelce, but one group of fans—the Gaylors—haven’t taken the news so well.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Inspired by the refinement of London’s prestigious Knightsbridge neighborhood, the penthouse blends understated British cool with the vibrancy of Miami.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Cronyism and industrial policy are thriving to the detriment of our economic vibrancy.
    Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jackson is very active with the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 863 at the Lebanon Municipal Airport doing all types of volunteer work, such as ramp safety operations.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Mosquitoes are active when temperatures remain above 50F, say pest experts.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • How can an artist of such vitality now be a senior citizen?
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Daily intake is essential to skin vitality, immune resilience, and overall metabolic function—and no, levels of vitamin C can’t be maintained just from chugging a glass of orange juice every morning.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liveliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liveliness. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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