sprightly 1 of 2

sprightly

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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
Eventually, the movement realized that using the old instruments in sprightly, imaginative and contemporary ways instead made the music sound newly vital, and even more so when the staging was startlingly up to date. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Plus, nearby, do check out the Nice Pam Hotel as well—a more youthful and modern offering designed in sprightly shades of pastels. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 June 2025
Adverb
Rice was playing at an All-Pro level last year before suffering a torn ACL, second-year receiver Xavier Worthy is always improving and even tight end Travis Kelce is appearing more sprightly than last campaign. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly
Adjective
  • In the evening, the rooftop Art Bar came alive with DJs, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere that catered to generations both young and old.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Both the jitterbug and Lindy Hop (which is often referred to as the granddaddy of the swing era dances) are lively, energetic swing dances that involve quick spins, sharp footwork and pure joy between a pair to a booming live band playing.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Disney Channel series, which released new episodes Monday through Friday at the height of its popularity, would see its energetic teen stars perform a blend of musical performances and sketch comedy routines.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Absent replacing party sinecurists with able, energetic people, nothing can keep candidates from adopting this agenda on their own—as some younger primary challengers of Democratic incumbents are already starting to do.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being a pretty great animated sitcom in its own right, Dispatch will need to quickly start leaning further into its immersive elements to justify its place (and price tag) among a crowded streaming landscape.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Veneziale’s dad is often responsible for picking up items further afield, such as an animated phantom that had been listed on Facebook Marketplace.
    Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Zone 2 cardio is moderate-intensity exercise—like brisk walking or cycling—done at about 60% to 70% of your max heart rate.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The 12-time Academy Award nominee and the model both bundled up for brisk weather, as both Cooper and Hadid wore coats, sunglasses and Cooper capped a beanie over his head.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But most deer versus vehicle crashes are the result of breeding season, when bucks are active and increasing their movement.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to the survey, active news consumers tended to be older, left-leaning viewers of cable news.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In his work, everything is animate, everything has a soul, everything has a story.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In his account of an Essex owl evening, all senses seem to merge, and all distinction between animate and inanimate disappears.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sprightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprightly. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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