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
Indeed, the backstage energy at the spring 2026 shows brought a liveliness that went beyond the usual hubbub of getting ready while polishing off Pura Vida takeaway in the wee hours before showtime. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025 But the film emphasizes the cast’s very evident liveliness. Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
Adverb
His disdain for Christmas is no match for visits from enchanting ghosts, a lively ensemble of characters, and the music of the season. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025 Music comes through with clean highs and enough bass to keep things lively at everyday listening levels. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Neutral color palettes have dominated kitchens for the last few years, and Ward believes that homeowners are craving the lively and nostalgic energy that retro design brings. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 County Meath remains at the heart of these traditions, the home to the Hill of Ward, where ceremonial fires once blazed, and today’s lively Púca Festival. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liveliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liveliness
Noun
  • Furthermore, the constellation brightness would drown out faint celestial objects and limit astronomical observations.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, the film is most notable for — spoiler — Roberts’s death at the end, and her palpable absence in the final scenes speaks to the brightness of her presence in the movie’s earlier parts.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The late High Modernist architect and educator Charles Gwathmey created a body of work defined by playfully bold geometric forms and a spare use of adornment employed with formal elegance.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The former White House communications director, 36, playfully shared the news while the hosts were reminiscing on past embarrassing moments as part of their Hot Topics segment.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 16-track project finds Soulja experimenting with fresh sounds — from that West Coast bass to more energetic beats — all while staying true to the essence that built his legacy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For however long Warner is out, the 49ers will lose not only a Defensive Player of the Year candidate but also the most vocal and most energetic player in the locker room.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The satin fabrics were dyed vibrant colors and used for pieces like biker vests, dresses and apron tops.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Shot with both lyrical intimacy and bursts of vibrant energy, the film portrays the quiet revolution of a boy refusing to surrender his identity.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tour news was first shared with select media and fans at a top-secret private event Sunday night at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland that included a viewing of Rush’s induction speeches and performance and ended with a loose, animated interview with Lee and Lifeson.
    Annie Zaleski, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The director and father of two made that concern a driving principle of his new film, Scarlet, a fantastical animated adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that opens at New York Film Festival next week.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports pointed out, Belichick was busy hitting the recruiting trail during North Carolina's bye week, suggesting the head coach is still looking for talent to help the Tar Heels beyond this season.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Loads more news from a busy MIA, including a YouTube exec breaking ranks on the usual radio silence over the platform’s ratings versus broadcast figures, is right here.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Red Drift is denim that carries warmth and confidence, a rare vibrancy meant to last.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
  • With gradient hues of pinks and purples, the set comes in retro colors to add a touch of vibrancy to your cabinets.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2025.

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