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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Bergé—still blustery and energetic at sixty-eight—flanks Saint Laurent protectively as the two leave their hotel for the ceremony, where the designer is set to receive a lifetime-achievement award.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As a rookie last season, Watkins established himself as one of the Wizards’ most energetic and physical perimeter defenders.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • As in much of Europe, tourism is a sensitive subject, so knowing the unwritten rules (and even a bit of the local language, Euskera) will help avoid misunderstandings and unlock the city’s joyful, trademark love of the table.
    Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Homecoming’s joyful coming-of-age story jettisons some of the old clichés (no one needed to see Uncle Ben’s death again) while still maintaining the personal elements that make Spidey so moving.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Add a striking focal point by nestling a statue fountain between groups of colorful flowers or lively foliage.
    Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The smaller footprint here makes the car much livelier, and the acceleration feels never-ending.
    Jerry Perez, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • An exuberant pastiche of turn-of-the-18th century historical dress with his own New Romantic leanings, it was snapped up in its entirety by the British department store Browns.
    Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • An exuberant ombre explosion of roses in juicy shades of pink lemonade, kiwi, and cantaloupe orange, obviously.
    Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Bautista has several other movies coming up, Alpha Gang, which premieres at the Toronto Film Festival; the animated Ally; and Highlander.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The on-air personalities host several music, story, and alternative channels, offering an effervescent personality and deep musical knowledge that beckon you to return.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • The artist layered silver cat-eye polish on top of a peach jelly for a sheer, effervescent finish.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Spending time with friends and enjoying activities like golf, fishing, or attending sporting events encourages connection and supports an active lifestyle.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Their active roster is predominantly right-handed, which clogs up some of the lineup decisions for Roberts.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One of the most charming performances in a show that has many of them comes from Bo Bragason as Oona, a bubbly lesbian flirt whose mom has jetted off to India, leaving her in charge of her little sister (Mabel Strachan) and their houseboat.
    Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The national chain is recognized for its diverse customizable drink menu and bubbly customer service.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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