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
Insects, much like their human counterparts, are more lively in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer. Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025 The conversation was lively and funny, with the actress discussing her defining role in 1976’s Carrie and nearly missing out on Lynne Ramsay’s current Cannes title, Die, My Love. Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 Book Club with the Rancho Santa Fe Librarians Wednesday, May 28, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join us for a lively discussion at the Senior Center of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025 The evening’s festivities turned out to be lively on their own. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for liveliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liveliness
Noun
  • Other steps to help reduce damage include face masks or glasses made to shield blue light, or just simply lowering the brightness of your phone.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2025
  • Both cameras capture good detail and color (for a tablet) without overdoing the brightness.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Host Jennifer Lopez opened the show with an energetic dance number to a medley that included a mashup of songs by Beyoncé, Eilish, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and more.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • If your travel wardrobe skews neutral, this vibrant set is the perfect way to shake things up.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
  • The actress recently stepped out in Los Angeles wearing a vibrant orange halter-neck bathing suit from Lands’ End.
    Jennifer Chan, People.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The newcomer enrolled in tap classes, and trained fastidiously with associate choreographer Rachelle Rak, figuring out how an animated siren might walk and stand.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This is her opportunity to step up into a more prominent role, and the quiet ONO is disappearing in favor of this, more animated and aggressive version.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • April Kiser, a spokesperson for Arkansas State Parks, said Memorial Day weekend is a particularly busy time for state parks.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
  • Flights were expected to peak on Thursday with almost 54,000 scheduled, although airports should also be busy Friday, according to the FAA.
    Kristin Scharkey, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • All nine shades are universally flattering, providing a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 May 2025
  • Humes is drawn to bright colors that capture the vibrancy of his hometown of L.A.
    Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, for active and retired military members, a 10% military discount is available year-round.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Over the last 20 years, more coaches (16) have finished with worse records (excluding active coaches) than with improved records (13) in their second-chance campaigns, according to NHL Stats.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • In this way, NATO can be seen as the insurance policy that underwrites the strength and vitality of the American economy.
    John Deni, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
  • His fireplug vitality surrendered only to his untamed playing, boogie feel and volumes upon volumes of mesmerizing riffs.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liveliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liveliness. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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