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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
Insects, much like their human counterparts, are more lively in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer. Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025 The conversation was lively and funny, with the actress discussing her defining role in 1976’s Carrie and nearly missing out on Lynne Ramsay’s current Cannes title, Die, My Love. Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 Book Club with the Rancho Santa Fe Librarians Wednesday, May 28, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join us for a lively discussion at the Senior Center of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025 The evening’s festivities turned out to be lively on their own. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • Host Jennifer Lopez opened the show with an energetic dance number to a medley that included a mashup of songs by Beyoncé, Eilish, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and more.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Earlier this week, the Duchess of Sussex posted a photo of a table covered in bowls of vibrant berries, lemons and measuring cups.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • The vibrant nightlife scene was rounded out each day of runway shows and networking opportunities, with Miami’s legendary party culture infusing the Swim Week energy.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, an animated Predator movie called Predator: Killer of Killers is coming to Hulu this summer.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 June 2025
  • Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Webster said the thought was to fill storefronts closest to the busiest World Cup activities, likely in and around downtown, or within a mile of the streetcar line.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
  • In a busy warehouse, for instance, human workers and multiple robots performing different tasks—often from different vendors—need a unified system that ensures smooth collaboration, avoiding collisions and idle time.
    Florian Pestoni, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Since the show's conclusion, Zoe has remained active in the fashion and lifestyle space, in part through her newsletter The Zoe Report, which launched in 2009.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Action step: Practice active listening during meetings.
    Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Such seemingly minor biographical details are what animate L’Enchanteur, which was born in 2012 after Soull and Dynasty merged their independent labels—Alkhemi9 and BRZÉ, respectively.
    Thessaly La Force, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Users do have creative freedom — freedom to learn to draw, animate, write, score, or direct their own projects.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Those early investments in community development and youth engagement laid the foundation for what is now a thriving professional ecosystem.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Josh Kraft will deliver a more livable and thriving city for all Bostonians.
    Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Examples include moderate or brisk walking, water aerobics, doubles tennis, slow cycling, or ballroom dancing.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
  • The sun peeked out, but brisk winds were blowing and temperatures only climbed to the high 40s near the lakefront.
    Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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