1
2

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 Maria is a wonderfully textured character, at turns flinty and cold and vivacious and funny, and Maura is adept at embodying all sides to this woman. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2025 Over the years the vivacious Brit has has empowered countless women around the world and gained a fiercely loyal following. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 Venus in Leo is vivacious and charismatic, particularly in the realm of relationships, finances and one’s personal aesthetic. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Their dresses convey their complementary personalities: Emily the restrained and controlled yin to Mindy’s vivacious and adventurous yang. Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Jubilant, energetic and celebratory — for small moments and big.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • With an intimate and energetic lens, the film pulls back the curtain on this iconic American gathering, and showcases the rhythms that bring the pow wow to life.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Emotional, joyful, sacred, and so us.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • While the bar was set high with the first effort, the trio’s sophomore collaboration still delivered a large-scale display that was as joyful and entertaining as their first one.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout an offseason devoted to expansive training, that spirit was on full display — including during the lively knockout games at Prentiss’ gym.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Discussions about the fast-changing international TV distribution market are ten-a-penny at industry conferences, but the group made a lively and worthwhile contribution to the pantheon.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The embrace ended with Daboll giving Dart an exuberant pat on the head.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The funny, exuberant and lavishly staged musical opened Thursday in its world premiere at The Old Globe in Balboa Park.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Riegel agrees, noting that the show doesn’t just settle into the tone of a typical animated series, in Critical Role’s style or otherwise.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Those episodes were made with the company's proprietary AI engine, fine-tuned for animated storytelling.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Torrey Pines’ varsity team rides a van to matches with the effervescent Jiamanukoonkit controlling the music selections, rocking to her favorite artist, Olivia Rodrigo.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Basque Country Txakoli, an effervescent white wine often drunk as an aperitif or paired with seafood, is uniquely Basque.
    Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Starlink satellites to SpaceX's megaconstellation, which now totals more than 8,500 active units.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • This leads some landlords to cut the prices and open the doors to independent and local type businesses just to keep a plaza active and bustling.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The curiosity seems to be the blend of his height (7 feet 2), his age (20), his nationality (Chinese) and his bubbly personality.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Bake until apples are tender, edges are bubbly, and top is golden, 45 to 60 minutes more.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!