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 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 Gabriel García Márquez once said that all of his works have loose threads of connection to Cartagena, the vibrant and vivacious capital that was the muse of his magical realism. Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The aristocratic designer often drew upon his worldly childhood experiences–Pucci produced clothing, upholstery, living room accessories, purses, shoes, and clothing that reflected all this exposure, print-packed and vivacious. Essence, 14 Aug. 2025 But when a vivacious young female teacher arrives, and the townspeople begin imagining a romantic match, his life comes apart. Philip Metres july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Labradors are often more energetic and bred for hunting, retrieving, and service work, whereas goldens are prized for their patience, friendliness, and trainability.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Inspired by the tradition of the divine feminine, the energetic space captivates with colors, abstract wall art and a goddess sculpture done by the dynamic sister artist duo’s mother.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In a joyful and unexpected twist, Zimmerer even had the honor of being the flower girl.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The transformation from investment banker to mental health advocate wasn't exactly a joyful moment for Miller.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a sunny Tuesday morning, 35-year-old Rita Guerrero stepped out from her door on North Mariposa Street, lively pup Olive barely contained by her leash.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Zarutska worked in a lively area of the lower South End dotted with breweries, apartment complexes and coffee shops.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His voice is exuberant, especially when cracking jokes.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The exuberant creative highs that fuel International are both devastatingly sad and the best possible farewell.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The movie, created with partners Native Foreign and Vertigo Films, is being produced in just nine months on a budget under $30 million—far less than typical animated features—and is slated to debut at Cannes before a global 2026 release.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The animated series touches on the relationships between fathers and sons, prompting Yeun, as the lead actor, to reflect on his own fatherhood journey.
    Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What to See The journey begins in the northeastern city of Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, where Gothic grandeur and effervescent indulgence coexist.
    Jennifer Schwartz, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Fresh, effervescent and lively with flavor.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking of the 2023 playoffs, the Rangers active 28-man roster features only three players who were also on their ‘23 postseason roster.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To qualify for a portion of the county arts funding, organizations must be active 501(c)3 entities, located and operating in Milwaukee County, organized for the primary purpose of producing or presenting the arts, and open to the general public, according to the county's application terms.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Laura Burdese, deputy CEO, Bulgari A bubbly personality and sparkling energy coupled with sharp business acumen define Burdese, who makes a case of the (too) few women executives sitting at the top of international luxury companies.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly, about 10 minutes.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 13 Sep. 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!