Definition of vivaciousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vivacious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vivacious are animated, gay, lively, and sprightly. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

When is animated a more appropriate choice than vivacious?

Although the words animated and vivacious have much in common, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

Where would gay be a reasonable alternative to vivacious?

The words gay and vivacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use lively instead of vivacious?

While in some cases nearly identical to vivacious, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When could sprightly be used to replace vivacious?

The synonyms sprightly and vivacious are sometimes interchangeable, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

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 vivacious Costume designer Shirley Kurata uses texture, detail, and vivacious colors to create elaborate artworks that the hair and makeup department has complemented with aplomb, creating visually arresting results. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026 Erica was a happy, bubbly and vivacious child who frequently went to church with her mother and loved Barney & Friends, Harrison said. Caroline Zimmerman may 18, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026 Yolande was bold, vivacious, and beloved of every gossip columnist. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 18 May 2026 Service is vivacious almost to the point of pantomime. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • These kinds of bursts travel faster than the energetic particles from a solar storm, and precede their arrival when shot towards Earth.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • At their best, joyful and generative, with an infectious appetite for life.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Introducing his staff to an editorial process has been, by Cook’s account, a joyful one in its own right.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The three-deck sphere (hence, the name sphere class) at the heart of the ship is a lively social hub.
    Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • Stone-Robb pointed to its cliffs, ocean views, surf breaks, walkable streets, and a lively central market as the likely cause of its popularity, noting that home prices here run lower than in nearby Cascais despite a similar coastal appeal.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Great literary classics are back in demand, with films and series in the vein of Wuthering Heights bringing the exuberant aesthetics of the past back to the screen.
    Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026
  • The comments and exuberant reactions from concertgoers are priceless, illustrating much better than most music documentaries about how universal and community-building music can be.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Liam got started in Hollywood as a young actor and has voiced animated characters in films such as Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) and GOAT (2026).
    Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • The three episodes of this outstanding series that were made available cements the claim that some of the most creative animated storytelling is being generated from anime.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The artist layered silver cat-eye polish on top of a peach jelly for a sheer, effervescent finish.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • This is the first film without Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes, presumably due to scheduling conflicts, but any absences are more than made up for by the effervescent Helena Bonham Carter, back again as the Holmes’ mother Eudoria.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Crochet missed the initial wins due to his routine, which differs significantly from those of active players.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
  • During the Champions League celebrations, before La Reina’s departure was public, Putellas was very active in supporting Serrajordi, including featuring her in a post-game, pre-party Instagram Live.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The national chain is recognized for its diverse customizable drink menu and bubbly customer service.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • Leo confides in the shark to process a confusing world until the spirited and bubbly au pair Anya (Bakalova) bursts into their lives.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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