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 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 Game of Thrones star Tiger Free will play Isabel Archer, the vivacious New World ingénue who leaves America for Old World Europe, keen to experience all that life has to offer. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Both bands, originating from the Chicagoland area, delivered energetic sets to an enthusiastic crowd.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Led by Sreeti Mukerji and shaped by the creative vision of Alia and Shaheen Bhatt, ‘Don’t Be Shy’ is a joyful, heartfelt celebration of friendship, love, and the beautifully messy journey of growing up.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The point is not that patients should spend the money on something joyful instead of medication, bills or another necessity.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In this case, the filings contain screen grabs of text messages and other communications that seem very …lively.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This season there has been no shortage of excitement or panic after a lively opening weekend.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Their feelings change when Fran has an encounter with Silky (Nicola Coughlan of Bridgerton), an exuberant fairy, who invites her to join her for tea at the Magic Faraway Tree.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Corey Holland, Kamarie’s father, said his daughter was an exuberant 5-year-old who loved princesses and made people laugh.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The critically and commercially adored animated series from creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green will return for season 2 in January, according to a new teaser that sees the comeback of Mizu (Maya Erskine) on her travels in London.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The animated family adventure should dig up about $20 million for Paramount through the weekend.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Along with the star, Bergamote 22 expertly blends in grapefruit and petitgrain for an effervescent opening, combined with white tea notes for extra freshness, plus a woody backbone of vetiver paired with amber and musk.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Every active iPhone, iPad, or Mac sold generates continuous cash flow regardless of whether the owner upgrades their physical device that year.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Meta reported in July that Instagram has 2 billion daily active users — nearly a quarter of the Earth's population.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Our pies came out evenly cooked with tender crusts, crispy bottoms, and bubbly cheese.
    Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sprinkle the veg with the beans, mozzarella, and cheddar, then bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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