sprightly 1 of 2

Definition of sprightlynext

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
Johnson, a sprightly man with a bright Midwestern accent, wore a hat with the logo of his employer, the U.S. Geological Survey, which conducts much of the G.L.F.C.’s research. Katie Thornton, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 Pick from an assortment of delicious recipes doled out by a roster of sprightly locals, from apple strudel to Sacher-style chocolate gâteaux. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Hours before the awards ceremony, the veteran exec is still sprightly trodding the labyrinthine corridors of the festival home of the International Theatre Amsterdam. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Nov. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly
Adjective
  • Chabada For a livelier scene, head to the main drag along Platja de l’Arenal to find Chabada.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The style throughout, irrespective of category, is lively without being hectic, a pleasing postmodern blend of contemporary, midcentury, and roughly Victorian elements.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Practical courage lifts your finances as energetic Mars squares vulnerable Chiron in your 2nd House of Accounting, guiding you to spend wisely while respecting personal values.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The class of 2026 under France coach Didier Deschamps is a mix of energetic youth and experienced heads with Dembélé poised to be one of the leading figures alongside fellow striker Kylian Mbappé.
    Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The show's only limit is its imagination, as fans have already seen Captain Pike and his crew delight in musical and animated episodes.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
  • The sequel, which has the Ghostbusters facing off with the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian and his profoundly negative vibes, ends in a joyous celebration that brings the Big Apple together while an animated Statue of Liberty stomps to the rescue.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • At Glenlaurel Inn & Spa nearby, inventive food and plush cabins balance brisk hikes for a perfectly woodsy winter getaway.
    Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The show has been doing brisk business, with the most recent box office figures (for the Broadway week ending January 4) reporting attendance at 96% of the venue’s capacity.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Benn, a 17-year veteran, played with a visor for the first time in 1,216 career games, leaving Nashville center Ryan O'Reilly, Minnesota defenseman Zach Bogosian, and Sharks winger Ryan Reaves as the last three active players who have never worn a visor in an NHL game.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • According to Moore, crews believe the fire had been fully extinguished after follow-up checks found no active flames, even as high winds later reignited embers buried in the root system.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • From lanterns several stories tall and hundreds of feet long to interactive exhibits that animate and breathe fire (in the form of smoke, Lewis clarifies), the festival evokes a deep sense of awe.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
  • Political violence in the late summer and early fall, along with a government shutdown that began Oct. 1 also appeared to animate voters in the final days of the campaign.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sprightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprightly. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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