animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

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 animated
Adjective
The animated logo for Amblin Entertainment that precedes it, though, is a reminder of a time when Hollywood made films like this for theatrical release, instead of sending them straight to streaming. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025 The animated group’s four members — Noodle, 2D, Russel Hobbs, and Murdoc Niccals — will all be available as playable characters in Fortnite and come with matching accessories. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
For some of them, especially those animated by the conviction — not entirely unreasonable — that real power in America lies with shadowy, malevolent and unaccountable forces, the Epstein mythology is too central to their worldview to let go of. Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025 Angel Studios’ animated The King Of Kings, which opened in April, grossed $60 million domestic and $77 million worldwide. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • Royster recalled her animate Catholic teachings and love of Pope Francis’s vision for the church and the prophetic role to hold the government accountable.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • If the story is slight, the development of the characters through the songs’ lyrics and the performances of them animate and elevate the proceedings.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The space itself — bright, polished, and buzzing — sets the tone for a brunch that’s chic without being stiff.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their move back to the Taiwanese capital, where the mother sets up a food stand in a buzzing night market, brings them into closer proximity with her family.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But dogs still need ways to burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For example, one study found that breast cancer cell growth was stimulated by low concentrations of genistein and inhibited by higher concentrations.
    Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Expect a lively mix of chef demos, book signings, brunch-style tastings, and conversation with some of the region’s most influential women.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The kind of free speech and lively discourse that Kirk espoused involved spreading hateful conspiracy theories and misinformation.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It's been a busy week for the European technology sector.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The seven people killed by the explosions are believed to have been working for Devastating Pyrotechnics in the busy days ahead of a string of shows scheduled on and around the Fourth of July.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of Earth’s radiation isn’t energetic enough to excite water molecules into a vibrational quantum states.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming—a place where groups gather, conversations fill the air, and the meal becomes the centerpiece of the evening.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Much of the Southeast, especially the southern Appalachians, remains on track for an on-time and vibrant peak foliage.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among the 35 hues are trendy cool tones, conventional nudes, vibrant reds, and bold, creative colors like magenta and blackish-purple.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the most active users of AI are now turning to the bots for things like life advice, therapy, and human intimacy.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Interior islands may exhibit active fire and isolated torching or trees may occur.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animated

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!