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
  • San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • These kinds of bursts travel faster than the energetic particles from a solar storm, and precede their arrival when shot towards Earth.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • From cute to hilarious and sometimes even weird, this year’s selection highlights joyful, inventive images.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • News to Know If there was some new big furor involving the WNBA this weekend, it was overshadowed by the league’s joyful celebration of its 30th season.
    Matt Piper, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Players have long complained about less-lively balls that force them to swing harder to hit them through the court.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The pilot sets up interesting tensions between Duke and surrogate father Kingsley and a livelier adversarial role for Pinnock, but Kingsley is gone for the majority of the six episodes (out of eight) sent to critics and Pinnock’s absence is felt.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 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
  • In Thursday’s announcement, Canal+ highlighted that the new deal would also see a strengthening of its support for new filmmakers and new styles of filmmaking; debut films and emerging talent; diversity film and animated films.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 July 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
  • Crochet missed the initial wins due to his routine, which differs significantly from those of active players.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
  • During the Champions League celebrations, before La Reina’s departure was public, Putellas was very active in supporting Serrajordi, including featuring her in a post-game, pre-party Instagram Live.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The national chain is recognized for its diverse customizable drink menu and bubbly customer service.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • Leo confides in the shark to process a confusing world until the spirited and bubbly au pair Anya (Bakalova) bursts into their lives.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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