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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
While the island can be lively, with Corona and lime bars that are best enjoyed in small doses, Almare offers a respite. David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025 At one point, Carole was spotted sharing a warm smile and lively conversation with Prince William. Meredith Kile, People.com, 18 June 2025 WhistlePig said what results is a lively, 86-proof spirit that has notes of honeysuckle, biscotti and butterscotch. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 In one image, Turner was seen kissing the singer's head with his arm around her shoulders, while another showed the couple engaged in a lively chat while laying on the ground. Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • Astronomers analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered a population of tiny, energetic galaxies that may have been key players in clearing the cosmic fog that shrouded the universe after the Big Bang.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025
  • Greer, a part of a energetic, muscular fourth line, signed as a free agent on July 1, 2024. READ MORE: Why the Panthers made sure first-time Cup winners got to celebrate first 12: Jonah Gadjovich, LW/RW.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Telluride is renowned for its world-class skiing, vibrant summer festivals and authentic mountain character.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Banking titan Hugh McColl Jr. will join community members uptown on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the opening of Charlotte’s newest public park, a vibrant green space bearing the name of the civic trailblazer himself.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • But The Times reported that Depp became more animated when talking about his public battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard, which involved two messy, salacious court fights that focused on her physical abuse allegations and his excessive drinking.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
  • And yet, no animated film has had quite the staying power as Spirited Away, which seems likely to make the overall list’s top ten and featured on the lists of Bryce Dallas Howard, Molly Ringwald, and John Turturro.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the setback in Denver, the couple has been busy in the meantime.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • As Lauryn was busy working at her warehouse alongside sister Jessica Shannon and her friend Paisley, June stopped by to inform them of her big plan.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The advisory was active for Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025
  • It's rapidly become one of Europe's most active firms, drawing capital from powerhouses like J. Rothschild Capital Management and MIT, and boasting a portfolio that includes unicorns like $2 billion Mercor and $1.3 billion LinkTree.
    Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • That early and incisive stance on monopoly power foreshadows the themes that animate Market Crafters.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The objects appear startlingly animate, as if bodies and ethnographic specimens are hanging on display.
    Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders who invest in the holistic health of their workforce can foster resilience, drive performance and cultivate a thriving organizational culture.
    Loubna Noureddin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • What makes this destination particularly exciting to visit is the chance to explore its thriving arts scene.
    Essence, Essence, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Luis Costa, global head of EM sovereign credit at Citigroup Global Markets, signaled the muted reaction could be, in part, attributed to hopes of a brisk resolution to the conflict.
    Ruxandra Iordache,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 June 2025
  • Related article Prevent low back pain with this simple lifestyle change The findings showed that as the amount of daily walking increased, the risk of chronic low back pain decreased, and preliminary evidence revealed moderate or brisk walking was more protective than a slow pace, Pocovi said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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