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
  • That’s about the same brightness as Polaris, the North Star, the 48th brightest star in the night sky.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • The large 27-inch screen has a dreamy 5K resolution—an uncommon combo, hence the steep price—and hits 600 nits of brightness.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • That motion can help build strength that translates over to tons of daily tasks, like walking an energetic dog or opening a heavy door, to name a few.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025
  • With energetic DJs and robata shows, this is definitely the place to be seen.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • It was developed as a major family entertainment property targeting both Spanish-speaking and international markets, with a vibrant ensemble cast led by Joaquín Reyes and Arturo Valls.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • The Reposado expression is aged in oak barrels, balancing the vibrant agave flavors with subtle wood influences.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 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
  • New hotels are addressing the long-standing lack of good accommodations, and the harbor is now a busy stop for cruise ships bound for Lisbon and Málaga.
    Christopher Bagley, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
  • Between the award show appearances, several hit television shows, and red carpet events, the couple remains busy but grounded in their purpose for their growing family.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Ferran is just as compelling when such vibrancy and vitality gives way to dejection and disharmony as her aspiring writing career grinds to a halt and her health starts to deteriorate.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 2 May 2025
  • Our Decorative Throw Pillow incorporates a little bit of spring vibrancy anywhere in your home.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Police may switch from active pursuit when the driver is speeding or behaving erratically.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Today, Perez remains active in local government as a Bovo appointee her in May 2023 to the city personnel board.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Thirdly, more residents downtown means more vitality, plain and simple.
    Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
  • Dagoberto Gilb, who explores the vitality of Mexican culture in the American Southwest through A Passing West: Essays from the Borderlands, took home the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay.
    Chris Barilla, People.com, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liveliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liveliness. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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