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 The First Omen and Servant star Free leads the ensemble as Isabel Archer, a vivacious New World ingénue who leaves America for Old World Europe, keen to experience all that life has to offer. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026 Game of Thrones star Tiger Free will play Isabel Archer, the vivacious New World ingénue who leaves America for Old World Europe, keen to experience all that life has to offer. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 July 2026 What happens when a vivacious, perky, wannabe actress moves across the hall from two Caltech physicists whose idea of a big Saturday night is a rousing game of Dungeons and Dragons? Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 The vivacious hue is warm, energizing, and impossible to ignore. Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Luckily, Kittredge’s film is hugely entertaining, energetic, and insightful.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • By combining multiple types of light into one image, NASA is able to reveal the complete picture of what this energetic galaxy is made of.
    Brett Tingley, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Just days after Dolly Parton's death, Carly Pearce, Jelly Roll and niece Jada Star helped Grand Ole Opry fans say goodbye in a joyful farewell.
    Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Hutt Twins, however, don’t exactly have a joyful family reunion in mind for Rotta.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Stop into Mercat Municipal, a lively indoor market where locals shop for fresh produce, meat, and fish.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The crowd outside the courthouse was liveliest in late August, when dozens of women wearing pink rallied to show support for Clancy and raise awareness about postpartum mental health, the central pillar of Clancy’s defense.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The choreography of the dozen-plus players on the stage is exuberant, playful and brilliantly timed, creating moments that draw both applause and gasps of joy from the crowd.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • How about an exuberant and hilarious turn as Long John Silver with a cast of Muppets?
    Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • David helped with a connection with Garner Holt Productions, which designs animated figures, show systems and special effects for major theme parks worldwide.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The critically and commercially adored animated series from creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green will return for season 2 in January, according to a new teaser that sees the comeback of Mizu (Maya Erskine) on her travels in London.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Different perspective Matthew is typically a high-energy, effervescent and extroverted kid.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Angels have not made the postseason since 2014, the longest active postseason drought in the majors, and have not won a playoff game since 2009, two years before Trout reached the majors.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Burnham, a former lawmaker who was elected to Parliament in June after almost a decade away as mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to make a statement in the House of Commons setting out his vision of a more active but less centralized state.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This dynamic complements the friendly camaraderie between Maki and Omura, the former of whom is a bubbly girl and the latter a more laidback, blue-skinned male humanoid with horns.
    George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • There are light, bubbly options such as the Disaronno Spritz and cucumber-and-herb McQueen Cucumber Refresher, as well as classics like the Tom Collins and whiskey-forward Sagamore Sour.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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