SPIRITED Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

spirited 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspir-ə-təd

Definition of spirited

as in fiery

marked by a lively display of strong feeling the town meeting featured a spirited debate about the proposed ban on skateboarding in the plaza downtown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lively

having much high-spirited energy and movement a team known for its spirited and in-your-face basketball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spirited

2 of 2

verb

past tense of spirit

as in snatched

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 spirited

Adjective

Join the dearly beloved under the stars for a reception worthy of the afterlife, with spirited DJ sets, drinks to wake the dead, and a free photobooth for your drop-dead gorgeous wedding portrait. — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 These two exceedingly nimble keyboardists teamed for a rousing take on Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski’s intensely spirited Variations on a Theme of Paganini. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 Scenes like these played out every day during my month-long visit, showcasing a spirited and diverse community rather than one at risk of total desolation. — Liz Provencher, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026 Her latest record, Confessions II, celebrated as her best album in 20 years and a spirited follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor, was accompanied by a short film that led to this wealth of nominations. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirited

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited

Adjective

Kusama, known for her fiery red wig, lived by choice in a Tokyo psychiatric hospital for decades.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In humans and other animals the isothiocyanates stimulate sensory receptors in the mouth and nose, resulting in a peppery, pungent flavor that is often described as sharp rather than fiery.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiery

Verb

Mendoza’s first drive ended with his first interception, which Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz snatched and took back 80 yards for a pick six.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
The thieves then snatched the paintings and fled through the museum’s gardens—the whole heist took place in under three minutes.

— News Desk, Artforum, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of snatched

Adjective

Both bands, originating from the Chicagoland area, delivered energetic sets to an enthusiastic crowd.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

The mop-haired actor plays Joey, a spunky boy onboard who bonds with Maddie over having absent parents in the military.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
In many ways, this movie set the template for the modern action-comedy blockbuster, but few of its many imitators have come close to matching the spunky edginess and swooning romantic intrigue of the original trend-setter.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spunky

Adjective

The critically and commercially adored animated series from creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green will return for season 2 in January, according to a new teaser that sees the comeback of Mizu (Maya Erskine) on her travels in London.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
The animated family adventure should dig up about $20 million for Paramount through the weekend.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026