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

The broader ensemble is equally well calibrated to that optimism, with Janina Gavankar bringing veteran authority as Anjali’s mom and Lilly Singh making a spirited appearance that feels more earned than most celebrity cameos. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 With unwavering resolve, Salvador rallies an eclectic band of misfit street kids, led by the spirited Belén, to defy fate and protect Carmen. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 Clive Rose / Getty Images Piastri put up a spirited fight against Verstappen, who had a brief mistake with a lock-up at Turn 1 to briefly give the McLaren driver the podium spot back. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 It is also expertly cut (the fine editing is by Valerio Banelli) and keeps the focus on this spirited man tilting at windmills, showing great courage and grit all the way. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirited

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited

Adjective

The September full moon, commonly known as the harvest moon, is almost here, bringing a fiery burst of energy as the fall season gets underway.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
The fiery crash in the 6500 block of Nova Drive east of College Avenue involved a utility pole and caused a power outage in the area.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

Why, those teeming crowds just outside the shows are their own lively scene, filled with exciting, unexpected, and downright inspired takes on what’s happening in fashion.

— Phil Oh, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Echo Theater Company’s ambitious production brings lively design and a volatile cast to the stage, but an unfocused script and feverish direction overwhelm the story.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

Charland said the community has become passionate about the museum.

— Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
There were also passionate tributes this evening to outgoing Festival director José Luis Rebordinos, who steps down after this year’s edition, his 17th at the helm.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

The smart money was on the colorful, energetic Sinclair with a ready answer and the catchy acronym.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
But the last two decades have been filled with challenges for McClatchy, whose chain of newspapers across the Central Valley and beyond was once known for its energetic journalism and independent streak.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of energetic

Verb

The future governance of Venezuela was thrown into doubt after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas in January.

— Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Tensions in the South China Sea escalated again Friday after a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippine government ship, an encounter captured on video that prompted competing accounts from Manila and Beijing.

— Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026