spirited 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspir-ə-təd How to pronounce spirited (audio)
Definition of spiritednext
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

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
Rebellious, playful, and spirited, Caro Editions is inspired by the unique style of Danish supermodel and founder Caroline Bille Brahe (who also happens to be jewelry designer Sophie Bille Brahe’s sister). — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 Rather, it was opened with a sense of spirited, youthful energy. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 This is what brings us around to Miami Dolphins right guard Jonah Savaiinaea, who had spirited battles with veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler in Monday’s practice. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Nonalcoholic drinks are given as much care as the spirited cocktails; try the lemon-lavender-ginger Root Chakra for a sophisticated alternative. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
  1. fiery
  2. lively
  3. snatched
  4. passionate
  5. energetic
  6. captured
  7. spunky
  8. animated
Adjective
  • Alas, the peace does not hold even for a minute, as Daemon takes Corlys back as a prisoner, and embarks on a fiery campaign against Tumbleton.
    — Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But employees were already used to spectacular mishaps, fiery and otherwise.
    — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • The sightlines are good and the atmosphere lively, confirming the potential of Plymouth, the biggest city in the country never to have hosted a top-flight football club.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Shipley-Welter remembers when the town was more lively, with open storefronts and a nearby grocery store.
    — Julianna Mejia August 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lively
Verb
  • 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
  • The second was produced by Jahdae Barron, who alertly snatched a ball out of the air that had been tipped by linebacker Karene Reid and then raced 97 yards for a touchdown.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of snatched
Adjective
  • The president of the new campus is Tamekia Morris, a passionate advocate for getting more women into skilled trades.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of passionate
Adjective
  • Manzambi is seen as dynamic, energetic, a strong ball-carrier and importantly, versatile.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Thanksgiving always has produced an interesting dynamic with five tall, energetic kids circling for a turkey leg.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of energetic
Verb
  • Deputies and police officers already at the courthouse pursued Guerrero during a brief foot chase and captured him, officials said.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Rosalind Franklin captured the critical X-ray diffraction image that proved the double-helix structure of DNA.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of captured
Adjective
  • The group consists of levelheaded leader Blossom, sweet-natured Bubbles, and spunky Buttercup.
    — Oliver Gettell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • As for her birth story, Lockwood says her smart and spunky 5-year-old daughter knows it all.
    — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of spunky
Adjective
  • Bautista has several other movies coming up, Alpha Gang, which premieres at the Toronto Film Festival; the animated Ally; and Highlander.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of animated

Browse Nearby Words

spirit (away or off)
spirited
spirited (away or off)
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Cite this Entry

“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spirited for Spanish Speakers

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