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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
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
  • The basketball star playfully pinched his son’s cheek after the United States team beat Venezuela.
    Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Highly creative professionals often approach work playfully.
    Cas Holman, CNBC, 21 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
  • 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
  • Veneziale’s dad is often responsible for picking up items further afield, such as an animated phantom that had been listed on Facebook Marketplace.
    Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, his street gets extremely busy in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Do Not Disturb will be another major moment for the 2024 Rolling Stone Future of Music digital cover star, who’s already had a busy 2025.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 24 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
  • But most deer versus vehicle crashes are the result of breeding season, when bucks are active and increasing their movement.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to the survey, active news consumers tended to be older, left-leaning viewers of cable news.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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