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
  • This means that the light source features red, green and blue lasers that merge for 5,000 ANSI lumens brightness and 110% coverage of the BT.2020 color space.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2025
  • For brightness and crunch, the salad is tossed with a citrus vinaigrette and, just before serving, garnished with cilantro and smoked almonds.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 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
  • As a city known for its tech industry and vibrant communities, Seattle has attracted several national and regional internet providers.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Inspired by vibrant Spanish style and the timeless elegance of London, Mi Bolsa blends artsian craftsmanship with premium materials to create pieces that are both easy-going and in vogue.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • Waters is supportive of the new film and had every intention of seeing it opening weekend, but was waylaid by his busy schedule.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been busy in the transfer window, but could more incomings be on the way?
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The selection of No Other Choice underscores BIFF’s efforts to champion the vibrancy and global reach of contemporary Korean filmmaking during its landmark 30th anniversary edition, organizers say.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2025
  • For Brightening Whites Believe it or not, vinegar acts as a natural bleaching agent that can greatly help restore the vibrancy to your favorite white clothes.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dormant grass gets active once temperatures increase, so don't fertilize before then.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • But children in any educational setting can benefit from parents taking an active role in their learning and development, research shows.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 17 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 28 Aug. 2025.

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