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

Spectators gathered around Baccarat’s bespoke table tennis tabletop complete with a crystal net to watch Osaka and King compete in a spirited match. — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026 In 1967, the prominent computer scientists Allen Newell, Alan Perlis, and Herbert Simon staked out their position in a spirited letter to the editor in the journal Science. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Now in his second season with his favorite childhood team, Cruz has made an impression not only with his signature splitter, but also his spirited personality. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Set in a small Texas town, the film follows Parton as the spirited owner of a famous local establishment and Reynolds as the sheriff determined to defend it from public scrutiny. — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirited

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited

Adjective

Jeffries, a cautious Brooklynite poised to become speaker, must juggle fiery progressives, restive moderates and backlash over a Jared Kushner meeting while preaching Pelosi-style discipline and teamwork.

— Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The Clippers released a fiery statement slamming the findings, though the team has little recourse to appeal.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Stop into Mercat Municipal, a lively indoor market where locals shop for fresh produce, meat, and fish.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
The crowd outside the courthouse was liveliest in late August, when dozens of women wearing pink rallied to show support for Clancy and raise awareness about postpartum mental health, the central pillar of Clancy’s defense.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

That’s why the defense of Taylor from inside these walls is so passionate among those who know him.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Hadder is passionate about supporting Boise’s local raptor population, and a student of the region’s history in bringing back birds of prey.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

McQueen proves himself a masterful stylist of the modern blockbuster with this energetic action-thriller.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Verb

Israel captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank in the 1967 war.

— Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
One of the iconic Chicago Bears photos from 1985, shot during a minicamp practice in the spring, captured Walter Payton with one finger on his left hand tugging down the shorts of fullback Matt Suhey, who was lined up in the I-formation.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of captured

Adjective

David helped with a connection with Garner Holt Productions, which designs animated figures, show systems and special effects for major theme parks worldwide.

— Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
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