Definition of vivaciousnext
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 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 Yolande was bold, vivacious, and beloved of every gossip columnist. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 18 May 2026 Service is vivacious almost to the point of pantomime. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 17 May 2026 More than fame or a microphone, the vivacious entertainer hopes her daughter finds a worthwhile sense of purpose. Bryan West, USA Today, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • Brazil were energetic and vertical, Vinicius Junior and Rayan stretched their opponents and Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner was just reward.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Part of Black history is innovation in the face of oppression and a determination to create safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces for ourselves and for everyone.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
  • Would society trend toward debilitating mass unemployment or the joyful end of work?
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Vibrant banners will fill the land alongside lively Spanish music.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • On East Passyunk Avenue, Supérette is a lively French wine bar, market and bottle shop where rosé and pastis are enjoyed with snacks like duck prosciutto and raclette sandwiches.
    Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The country’s massive celebrations have made international headlines, with videos of exuberant fans rocking cars and even buses going viral.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Across the Bay Area, plenty of events are planned to accommodate the swarms of exuberant fans gathering to experience the hype, even without any game tickets.
    Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Annecy, which was established as a bi-annual event in 1960 and shifted to a yearly event in 1998, hosts a main competition every year, with roughly 10 or so animated films of all types — from 2D to 3D to stop-motion — competing for the Cristal for Best Feature Film.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
  • The film features an original score by acclaimed composer Christophe Beck, whose iconic work on Disney’s Frozen and Frozen II has resonated with audiences around the world and helped define a generation of animated storytelling.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • For the past half-decade, evilgiane and his Surf Gang collective have had their hands all over the quirkiest and most effervescent sounds of rap’s underground and mainstream.
    Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026
  • But true lambrusco, made in the Italian province of Emilia-Romagna is dry, bracing and delicately effervescent.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • People should not approach wild animals that appear sick, injured, or dead, including nocturnal species such as bats and raccoons that are active during daylight hours.
    Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The union has been in active negotiations with the state to draft a new contract, but the two parties had not reached a deal as of Tuesday, when the existing agreement is scheduled to expire.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Paired with bubbly disco grooves and chant-along choruses, the band became gay icons overnight.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • While Minetree delivers a charming performance, capturing Elle's bubbly optimism and mannerisms, the show largely fails to add meaningful depth and truly enrich one of pop culture's most enduring heroines.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster