1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a team known for its spirited and in-your-face basketball
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spirited
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Speakeasies round out a spirited evening—most notably Hell or High Water, a cozy hideout beneath Whiskey Row where craft cocktails and an extensive bourbon list set the tone for late-night revelry.
—Hillary Richard, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Kody Clemens doubled off McLean with one out in the seventh inning, and Keaschall made a spirited crowd audibly groan with a tying single.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The next climb is in process, including a spirited spring drills session on Saturday in which Plough and his staff ran the Aggies though a series of drills and live scrimmage action in a two-hour session on Jim Sochor field with a mix of fan interaction.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Adjective
This is a high-spirited opening for curious neighbors and travelers alike, with a mischievous sense of fun that firmly roots guests in their destination.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Speakeasies round out a spirited evening—most notably Hell or High Water, a cozy hideout beneath Whiskey Row where craft cocktails and an extensive bourbon list set the tone for late-night revelry.
—Hillary Richard, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Kody Clemens doubled off McLean with one out in the seventh inning, and Keaschall made a spirited crowd audibly groan with a tying single.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
The next climb is in process, including a spirited spring drills session on Saturday in which Plough and his staff ran the Aggies though a series of drills and live scrimmage action in a two-hour session on Jim Sochor field with a mix of fan interaction.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
Adjective
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One is aji verde, a fiery, electric green sauce made with Peruvian yellow peppers, and huacatay, a pungent, black mint with hints of tarragon and citrus.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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In the video, an officer tries to use a key to enter the residence when the front of the building explodes in a fiery blast.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Tollgate, a pub frequented by hundreds of United supporters on matchdays, is lively even two and a half hours before kick-off.—
Chris McKenna,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
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That was until this Dutch upstart with his European aesthetic, lively and colorful stores and eye-popping marketing campaigns began to chisel away at their market share.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Bain snatched the hat but marched defiantly straight to the stage to greet Goodell.—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
Don’t count your eggs until they’re snatched.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The situation involving Stamps is noteworthy in part because her mother, Marion Nzinga Stamps, was a passionate community activist at the Cabrini-Green public housing complex who was known to confront officials to press her case.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
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The somms here are passionate and eager to help find the right wine for you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Harbour The Harbour will be an outdoor theme park with both wet and dry experiences inspired by Asia's most energetic cities.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
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The awkward catching-up process turns into energetic conversations about race, relationships, class, status and rehabilitation, then shifts to deep familial spiritual bonding.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
In 1960, the Soviet Union shot down an American U-2 reconnaissance plane and captured its pilot, Francis Gary Powers.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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In 2024, the pygmy hippo Moo Deng in Thailand captured hearts around the world with her water splashing, knee-biting antics spreading like wildfire on TikTok and other platforms.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The average lifespan for the spunky toy breed, Maltese is 15 years.—
Katelyn Chef,
Martha Stewart,
12 Apr. 2026
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Torres said that despite her diagnosis, Valentina has retained her spunky personality.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lion Forge Entertainment develops and produces animated and live-action content targeting kids and family, YA and adult audiences.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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The company is taking advantage of California’s recent changes to the tax incentive program expanding the eligible categories of production to include animated movies.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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