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
  • Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 21 June 2026
  • Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 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
  • Similarly, the lively Doyles Irish Pub serves classic pub fare such as wings, a Reuben sandwich, and fish and chips.
    Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • In the evening, Banff’s newest late-night spot, The Dusty Boot Saloon, channels cowboy country motifs through nostalgic saloon energy and a lively dance hall, stage for live music and hidden lounges.
    Kristin Braswell, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2026
  • Rosie Randisi Presiding over one end of the resort’s iconic, 140-foot freshwater pool, the spa enjoys pride of place within the exuberant greenery of the 32-acre estate in the island’s pastoral north, far removed from Ibiza’s nightlife reputation.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 19 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
  • Paul Smith’s effervescent show was a refreshing surprise, featuring relaxed tailoring in an appealing seasonal palette of pale tonalities that was cheekily, but cleverly, styled with shirts unbuttoned and ties undone.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
  • This effervescent combination of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine is the ultimate patio sipper.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 June 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
  • Its infusion of natural tangerine and vanilla flavors offers an elevated take on plain bubbly water.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
  • Investors in the bubbly stock market seem to be betting that Warsh and his colleagues will ultimately hold off a rate rise.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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