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
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 It’s filled with colorful side characters, like the sprightly Pinky, whose zest for life has not been tempered by her own past tragedies. Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 Eco does its best to up efficiency; Normal is set up to give sprightly performance without draining the battery; Sport gives sharper performance and turns the instruments red; and Snow is designed to keep the car in check when the white stuff falls. Alex Goy, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly
Adjective
  • Insects, much like their human counterparts, are more lively in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025
  • The conversation was lively and funny, with the actress discussing her defining role in 1976’s Carrie and nearly missing out on Lynne Ramsay’s current Cannes title, Die, My Love.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • That motion can help build strength that translates over to tons of daily tasks, like walking an energetic dog or opening a heavy door, to name a few.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025
  • The collection combines breathable, comfortable fabrics with a bold, energetic color palette—perfect for those constantly on the go.
    Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its production pedigree and glib roasting of materialism through the magic-using preppy Kaz set it apart from the majority of animated and live-action series alike.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • New installments in development include a fifth chapter in the main series, an animated prequel, and a spin-off focused on Donnie Yen’s blind assassin, Caine.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The chippies, pubs and merchandise stalls on Goodison Road are doing brisk business, as fans arrive extra early to soak up precious last memories.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Adames began jogging around the bases, but his trot soon slowed into a brisk walk.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Police may switch from active pursuit when the driver is speeding or behaving erratically.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Transfer portal Campbell hasn’t written much about the portal, and Texas Tech has been an active user in recent years.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Such seemingly minor biographical details are what animate L’Enchanteur, which was born in 2012 after Soull and Dynasty merged their independent labels—Alkhemi9 and BRZÉ, respectively.
    Thessaly La Force, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Users do have creative freedom — freedom to learn to draw, animate, write, score, or direct their own projects.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sprightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprightly. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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