sprightly 1 of 2

sprightly

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sprightly contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sprightly are animated, gay, lively, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might animated be a better fit than sprightly?

In some situations, the words animated and sprightly are roughly equivalent. However, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When is it sensible to use gay instead of sprightly?

The meanings of gay and sprightly largely overlap; however, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Where would lively be a reasonable alternative to sprightly?

While the synonyms lively and sprightly are close in meaning, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When is vivacious a more appropriate choice than sprightly?

Although the words vivacious and sprightly have much in common, vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

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 sprightly
Adjective
Her voluminous silhouettes take up space and demand to be noticed, as do her sprightly florals or upbeat silky pastels. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024 For the track, Kendrick jumping jacks over a track that turns a Debbie Deb classic into a sprightly hyphy anthem. Peter A. Berry, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024 In this sprightly sequel to the 2018 hit, Harrelson has a blast as a deranged killer who is transformed into the monstrous Carnage, a symbiote as powerful as Venom. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 14 July 2024 Through a melodic flow of political parlance and an impressive stable of sprightly actors, creator Debora Cahn stages a spirited play about political relationships — and relationship politics — that never feels stodgy or stupefying, despite an ungodly amount of dialogue. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly
Adjective
  • Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The energetic period piece follows five young and wealthy American women in the 1870s, who travel to London searching for husbands.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As one of several interactive experiences, guests will be able to spin a 3D prize wheel with Luigi, Lavazza’s animated robot, for a chance to win keepsake merch and coffee prizes.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • An animated CoComelon film from Universal Pictures is in the works for release the same year.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Even moderate activity, like a daily brisk walk, can improve digestion.
    Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
  • This could be in the form of weightlifting, cycling, jogging, playing tennis or other heart-pumping sports, or even brisk walks and aquarobics.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Details on the election process are thin, but many citizens could be casting their votes in an active conflict zone or under the eyes of armed soldiers – a terrifying prospect that some say could lead to more violence.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The Bills projected that second-year center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger could be back by the third preseason game, which would put him on pace to start the year on the active roster.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Royster recalled her animate Catholic teachings and love of Pope Francis’s vision for the church and the prophetic role to hold the government accountable.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sprightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprightly. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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