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 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
  • The poem depicts writing as a joyful quest for enlightenment, of transforming darkness into light.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • The second half brought a different tone to the joyful opening 45 minutes.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Set the scene Morea House’s contemporary, angular facade faces right out onto the beach from where the lively V&A Waterfront is a 20-minute drive north, with Sea Point, another popular stretch of seafront, just 11 minutes away by car.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Known for its sprawling waterfront cottages and lively social scene, Muskoka sets the stage as relationships, careers, and personal lives collide.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • In the 2003 film, the Dan Band’s sweaty, inappropriately exuberant version of the ’80s power ballad upstages Will Ferrell’s wedding.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The film appears to mark a departure from Impacciatore’s recent roles that are imbued in her goofy, exuberant persona.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The animated film, made with a budget between $150 million and $200 million, has earned upward of $763 million globally less than a month after its release.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The Rick and Morty world is one of the most involved animated series ever created and obviously takes up a lot of brain power to pull together.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • The artist layered silver cat-eye polish on top of a peach jelly for a sheer, effervescent finish.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • This is the first film without Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes, presumably due to scheduling conflicts, but any absences are more than made up for by the effervescent Helena Bonham Carter, back again as the Holmes’ mother Eudoria.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite these complexities, active carriers maintain powerful air wings with F/A-18 Super Hornets and other advanced aircraft.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • This Eytino bikini set is comfortable and athletic enough for a long, active day at the beach.
    Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The drink is bubbly and crisp, with that familiar tang, reminiscent of apple cider vinegar, that’s common in most kombucha varieties.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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