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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
Governed by Mercury, the planet of communication, intellectual exchanges and clever ideas, Venus in Gemini encourages flirtation through words, creative exchanges and social interactions that are lively and full of surprises. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 July 2025 From the lively festival to its famed postal influence, Valentine becomes a hub of romance every February, drawing more than 1,000 visitors to celebrate Valentine's in Valentine. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Sunday, July 20: The celebration wraps with a lively, family-friendly Colombian Independence Day Brunch, with DJ sets and another culinary collaboration with Chef Diego Panesso, highlighting the vibrant, comforting flavors of Colombian home cooking. Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that the breed is clever, lively and courageous, but can also become clingy with their favorite human. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • Both Explorer’s Lounge and the Pinnacle Bar are on the quieter side, while Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard have live music and a more energetic vibe, particularly later in the evening.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • That coherence is a physical, energetic property in one’s mind-body system.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The serene scene is meant to mimic the dichotomy of the scent: a powerful blend of florals mixed with vibrant woody notes.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • What began as a creative outlet among friends quickly evolved into a vibrant collective.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The firm, which was founded three years ago by Julian Jacob, will then focus on transforming other toy brands into animated and live-action series, digital shorts, casual and mobile games, and immersive formats designed for today’s digitally native generation.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 July 2025
  • Martinsen described Arlo as an unusually animated and communicative baby.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Shop Now For busy spots (like back doors and side passages), a hardwired camera can save you a lot of charging.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
  • Why Family Fitness Works: Fun, Consistency, and Motivation Getting the whole family active can feel like a challenge, especially with the busy nature of life.
    William Jones, USA Today, 10 July 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
  • No matter its age and despite its survival being dependent on machines, just like its mother, the fetus is entirely animate.
    Lindsey Breitwieser, The Conversation, 1 July 2025
  • That early and incisive stance on monopoly power foreshadows the themes that animate Market Crafters.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The food industry has a lot riding on, and even more to gain from, adopting practices that help stabilize the climate and support thriving ecosystems.
    Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Whatever happens, Chicago needs a thriving and affordable ride-share sector — ride-share is part of our transit ecosystem.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The finish is brisk with balanced acidity and a soft texture.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Examples of beneficial exercise include brisk walking, running, or cycling.
    Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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