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 Dolly was colorful and vivacious and unapologetic, and had more than a bit of drag queen in her. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 But huge news aside, that constantly upbeat, vivacious personality is just who Karol is. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • McQueen proves himself a masterful stylist of the modern blockbuster with this energetic action-thriller.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Think ruffles, shoulders, polka dots, flowers, glamour, flowers and plenty of joyful clothes and accessories spanning lifestyle and occasionwear.
    Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • And no tearful, cinematic gateside farewells or joyful welcomes.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Hals was lively and irreverent; Rembrandt dealt with subjects altogether more weighty.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The playful cherry design introduces a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the deep glittery brown, adding a whimsical flair that keeps the overall look fresh and lively.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Admirers say his exuberant, body-conscious costumes will continue to shape pop culture and performance style for generations.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion designer whose exuberant style defined Hollywood glamour for decades, died Monday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • And in probably the most effervescent victory of the meet, Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi danced, clapped and leaped his way to victory in the high jump.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026
  • The effervescent fizz of Ocean’s Eleven came as a bit of a surprise at the time, though Soderbergh has since established himself as one of the most versatile filmmakers in modern movie history.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of looking only at raw home prices, an investor can track the rent-to-income ratio and the pending-active listing ratio.
    Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Salicylic acid, the same active dermatologists have leaned on for facial acne for decades, is now showing up in 360-degree body mists engineered to hit the places your hands can’t.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Add the pumpkin puree and stir well, cover partially (the mixture will get bubbly and spatter), reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The shop’s 12 bubbly livestream hosts have turned into micro-celebrities.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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