as in playfully
in a quick and spirited manner
now then, step lively there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the lively puppy was racing around the dining room floor chasing after people's shoelaces
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vibrant
marked by much life, movement, or activity
the party was a lively affair that lasted into the small hours of the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
Music comes through with clean highs and enough bass to keep things lively at everyday listening levels.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
The team behind Mirate in Los Feliz has followed up with this lively Sherman Oaks riff on Mexico’s Norteño cantinas, which originated the margarita.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lively
Adverb
His disdain for Christmas is no match for visits from enchanting ghosts, a lively ensemble of characters, and the music of the season.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
Music comes through with clean highs and enough bass to keep things lively at everyday listening levels.
—Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Reduce to a lively simmer over medium-low.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
The team behind Mirate in Los Feliz has followed up with this lively Sherman Oaks riff on Mexico’s Norteño cantinas, which originated the margarita.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adverb
-
In the first photo, Uchitel playfully kissed a paper cutout of Donovan.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Rockets star Kevin Durant is close with Drake, and the duo playfully jawed back and forth throughout the contest.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Disney Channel series, which released new episodes Monday through Friday at the height of its popularity, would see its energetic teen stars perform a blend of musical performances and sketch comedy routines.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Absent replacing party sinecurists with able, energetic people, nothing can keep candidates from adopting this agenda on their own—as some younger primary challengers of Democratic incumbents are already starting to do.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, the color options include both neutral shades and more vibrant hues like burgundy, olive, and purple.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Releasing later this week, the latest product of their longstanding partnership is a vibrant collection of apparel, footwear and accessories that celebrate esports and the gaming community.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Awards were given out across 33 categories, with winners in the narrative, documentary, and animated shorts categories achieving Oscar eligibility.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Despite being a pretty great animated sitcom in its own right, Dispatch will need to quickly start leaning further into its immersive elements to justify its place (and price tag) among a crowded streaming landscape.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Under Armour has also been busy making bigger investments in the performance shoe category.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The folks at East Fork have been busy this year.—
Emily Farris,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Rice was playing at an All-Pro level last year before suffering a torn ACL, second-year receiver Xavier Worthy is always improving and even tight end Travis Kelce is appearing more sprightly than last campaign.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The county has implemented active-shooter training for the first time and continues to absorb overtime costs.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Lauder is still a board member and active shareholder of Estée Lauder.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The unconventional thriller played like gangbusters to the buzzing New York crowd.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
At the time of his sentencing, Williams was a buzzing rapper, with his 2021 mixtape Shiesty Season, his only full-length project, peaking at Number Three on the Billboard 200.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share