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
Noun
But the film emphasizes the cast’s very evident liveliness. Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Players will enjoy a full day of activities including Hole-in-One and Closest to the Pin contests, a chance to win a car, fun sponsor experiences, lunch and refreshments, a gift from Callaway Golf and a lively awards dinner and multiple Opportunity Drawings. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 The Sunday afternoon crowd of 40,264 at Coors Field was lively and engaged in the Cubs-Rockies game. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liveliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liveliness
Noun
  • 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
  • While ranch and blue cheese are classics, honey mustard pairs surprisingly well with Garlic Parm, and a citrus-forward aioli can boost the brightness of Lemon Pepper.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Venus Williams playfully shaded her former doubles partner and sister Serena during the US Open.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Between her huge mane of hair and his white cowboy hat, Gaga and Mars playfully evoked '70s country music duos.
    EW.com, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fischl referenced the great Greek athletic nudes, such as Myron’s discus thrower, to achieve not just the portrayal of continuous energetic motion but also the suggestion that great human athleticism is about a stopping point, calculated containment.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Originally bred as cattle herders in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are energetic and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While specific activation plans are still under review, our commitment remains to deliver a project that contributes to a vibrant downtown.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Always look for bright, vibrant heads of lettuce and avoid brown spots or dingy yellow leaves.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The inclusion highlights Taiwan’s growing reputation in short-form and animated cinema.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During the trial, after Cardi took the stand to deliver her testimony, several of her impassioned exchanges with the plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Panouses advises his clients to use intermediaries where possible and claim their prizes on busy news days, such as Election Day, to avoid coverage.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This ought to be enough to keep you busy for a little while.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wildlife art can be confining, constricting, customary; contemporary artists are assuring its survival and vibrancy by breaking from the traditional.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Her novels always burst with a rich historical vibrancy, but The Gilded Heiress in particular brings to life the streets and tenements of the Gilded Age, as well as the burgeoning success of Broadway as industry.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liveliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liveliness. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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