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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 album cover and the first video for this project had very colorful, lively imagery — very un-sedate and not sepia-toned in any way. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025 The same subject stirred up a lively debate in the Vogue Slack channel. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025 The 2025 season has brought a lively atmosphere, with a strong law enforcement presence to ensure safety. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 These various sources of inspiration have ultimately become the foundation for a lively and fast-growing industry that’s soon set to compete with larger regional players like Tokyo. Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • The energy rises as the wrestler and the rapper take energetic strides and bounce to the ring.
    Shaheem Reid, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The rest of the evening was largely an energetic affair that oscillated between sincere appreciation and light humor, the latter of which began for co-host and winner Gold early in the event.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As Fort Worth continues to grow, this area has the potential to become a vibrant hub in the heart of the city—accessible, scenic, and community-focused.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Stirred into no-bake cheesecake batter, vibrant ube jam delivers a sweet, nutty swirl that tempers the cheesecake’s tang.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Katt also lent his voice to the animated The Get Along Gang in the mid-1980s, and in Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • In the brief animated video graphic shared to Perry’s Instagram, the expedition’s logo comes into frame, against a starry sky.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Check-in is seamless, but the hotel has only six parking spots and availability may be limited, especially on busy weekends, so plan to park across or down the street just in case.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And while Christophe had been busy developing a national school system during his reign, under Boyer, and all subsequent presidents, such projects had to be put on hold.
    Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt freshman Kaleb Annett was the most active quarterback on the day, throwing for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 6-for-10 throwing performance.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The 1880s were the most active decade for U.S. hurricane landfalls on record.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Charcuterie and cheese, potatoes and onions, meat and offal: These are the ingredients that animate Harris’s chalkboard menu, all old friends, treated with a grandmotherly mix of tenderness and brawn.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Your business should excite your customers, frustrate your competitors and animate and motivate your people.
    Jeffrey Russell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Since distancing from the royal family, Markle has been working on establishing herself as a thriving business woman.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Here, her thriving rose collection has been a project years in the making—the product of a small, gradual endeavor that soared to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Think: a brisk stair climb between Zoom calls, a few yoga stretches before breakfast, or a quick round of squats at the top of each hour.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • While its cozy fabric will serve you well on brisk spring evenings, its lightweight design is easy to throw over your shoulders for added texture once temperatures rise.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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