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
His crossword is not themed, but the entry is lively nonetheless. Deb Amlen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Located right on the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s liveliest piazza built atop the ancient Roman Capitolium, this museum gives new life to a majestic 17th-century palazzo. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2025 Upbeat music booms over the speakers, and laughter fills the lively space, which is adorned with marble walls, a massive wine cellar and a nearly $2-million Swedish sports car on display. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 With its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and lively cities, Mexico is an affordable destination with visa options for digital nomads. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liveliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liveliness
Noun
  • Amidst such a torrent of fascist chaos, the brightness and backbone of Real Women Have Curves feel bracing.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Sour cream: Complements the cream cheese base and adds some brightness and tang for a dynamic, fresh flavor.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Mariah, an energetic publicity executive in Oregon also described herself as an introverted extrovert, had a passion for self-exploration and chose work different from everyone else in her family.
    Jessie Rosen, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Rather than get stuck in or fooled by the appearance of things, this principle reminded us to sense their energetic underpinnings, such as clarity and intention.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • While one set of dancers move clockwise, another dances counterclockwise, resulting in a moving pattern of vibrant colors.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Choose from a variety of vibrant floral patterns, plus sizes S–XXL.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its production pedigree and glib roasting of materialism through the magic-using preppy Kaz set it apart from the majority of animated and live-action series alike.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • New installments in development include a fifth chapter in the main series, an animated prequel, and a spin-off focused on Donnie Yen’s blind assassin, Caine.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Recognize that your work output is going to vary and each type (creative, busy, growth, and management) has its place and its value.
    Nicole Lipkin, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Two of the five busiest airports in the European Union in 2023 were Madrid’s and Barcelona’s, according to EU data.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Commissioners cited a series of reasons for the vote, but one significant part of the discussion centered on how the town wants more stores, restaurants, health care or technology centers or even offices on the property as a way to build vibrancy.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The preservation of our architectural heritage is not only a matter of maintaining our community’s identity but also plays a fundamental role in fostering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Keeping physically active can help channel those feelings into something productive—and release some of the tumultuous energy.
    Leslie Hsu Oh, Vogue, 1 May 2025
  • In his new role, Jackson will oversee day-to-day operations of the foundation, advise on real-time policy and reform, expand active partnerships and the current network.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • America’s economic vitality may turn on upcoming tariffs.
    Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
  • Try the lexicon of resilience, wellbeing, vitality, nourishment.
    Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liveliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liveliness. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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