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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 This vivacious placement evokes the desire for attention, recognition and excitement. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 June 2025 Akerman, dark-haired and vivacious, is from Colombia, born and brought up in Bogotá. Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 5 June 2025 Among a few standouts are 35-year-old Brittany, a funny and vivacious partnership executive who does not get nearly enough screen time, and Joey, a goofy 35-year-old physician associate with the Platonic Ideal of a Minnesota accent. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Bold, vivacious and full of promise, Venus sextile Jupiter is about to shake things up in the most exciting way! Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Born 12 years apart, videos shared by their mom online show an energetic and happy Izzy Offett and a reserved Wayland Coe through the years.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • These curious cats are energetic, curious and know their names.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Here are our picks for the most joyful surprises and most egregious snubs.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • This book captures her vibrant, joyful voice in conversation with Toshio Meronek.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yanga features the vibrant colors, lively rhythms, melodic tunes, and bold concepts of Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 July 2025
  • Now officially open, the interactive restaurant invites guests to craft their own culinary creations in a lively, open-kitchen setting with stunning bay views that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls no longer walks with us.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • On Saturday afternoon, a woman who said her husband’s family has owned a home in the area since the 1960s told KTLA that the community is known for holding exuberant July 4th celebrations, including having barbecues in the middle of the street.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Netflix’s deal with Ubisoft got underway in 2020 and includes multiple Assassin’s Creed projects, including animated and anime series inspired by the games.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 17 July 2025
  • The two animated companions are available to anyone, including Grok users without a paid subscription, but users must opt in through the app’s settings to get access.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • McCabe, an Arsenal fan favourite known for her uncompromising playing style and effervescent off-field personality, was at the centre of much of the discussion as fans daydreamed about her reaction to it all.
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The effervescent Goldsberry tells us about her new music, the albums that shaped her and other essentials.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • State records show that Glass House holds multiple active licenses to grow cannabis.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • These insects have been active since the end of June.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nest Lychee Rose is bubblier and way more rose-forward, Kayali Sparkling Lychee has more fruit variety but less actual lychee somehow.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2025
  • The difference is subtle, but the fine filter creates milk that's a bit bubblier than the ultrafine filter.
    Jaina Grey, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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