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lively

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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 lively
Adjective
The zoo’s public request has drawn lively debate online with some protesting the idea of turning pets into prey, and others praising the zoo’s efforts to maintain natural feeding behaviors. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025 Garrett is a fun and lively boy with a big personality who loves bouncing on the trampoline and playing outdoors. Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025 There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal. Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 But afterward, the musician’s fans transformed a typically morose event into a lively commemoration of life and music that stretched across Osbourne’s hometown. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The energetic period piece follows five young and wealthy American women in the 1870s, who travel to London searching for husbands.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 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
  • The event, which was first held in 2001 and now draws more than 200,000 attendees, marked a new chapter this year as the festival moved to First Ward Park, while the parade continued its vibrant march down Tryon Street.
    Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 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
  • From ultrasounds to spacesuit assembly, Earth observations and monitoring blood flow, the seven members of the second half of Expedition 73 were kept busy this week aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Details on the election process are thin, but many citizens could be casting their votes in an active conflict zone or under the eyes of armed soldiers – a terrifying prospect that some say could lead to more violence.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The Bills projected that second-year center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger could be back by the third preseason game, which would put him on pace to start the year on the active roster.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Royster recalled her animate Catholic teachings and love of Pope Francis’s vision for the church and the prophetic role to hold the government accountable.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s despite the genre’s massive sales and streaming numbers, its dominance on the charts, and its own thriving music video tradition.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • For her part, LePatner said UJA had been integral in her growth as a business executive with a thriving Jewish identity.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The new nine-speed transmission offers brisk, usually seamless shifts; though at times the acceleration can feel a bit segmented.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Analysts expect brisk growth in the next two years.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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