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 voyage, with its themes of alienation and aliens, arrives at a time when immigrants in this country, and Latinos at large, have become the target of brutal ICE raids that ignore due process and racially profile citizens and undocumented people alike. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 The firm, which was founded three years ago by Julian Jacob, will then focus on transforming other toy brands into animated and live-action series, digital shorts, casual and mobile games, and immersive formats designed for today’s digitally native generation. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Verb
Lazarus is produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA. Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Brody worked the room like an architect with a plan, getting animated in a discussion with Board of Governors member Rita Wilson and then regaling SAG Award orator Jane Fonda at the bar. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • No matter its age and despite its survival being dependent on machines, just like its mother, the fetus is entirely animate.
    Lindsey Breitwieser, The Conversation, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • At a time when personal expression and wellness are at the heart of home design, this equally grounding and lively shade couldn’t be more timely.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ever since then, it’s been sitting on the shore, beached like a shipwreck, just feet from a busy highway.
    John Carlisle, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Horton said summer is always the busiest, with the program planning several events each month to combat the rise in homicides and violent crimes as the weather warms.
    Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Together, the data reveals different layers of the galaxy's structure and energetic processes, highlighted by bright gold light in the image.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2025
  • The image of a tiny hamster running endlessly on a spinning wheel has become an iconic part of owning these small, energetic animals.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Columbus is regarded for its vibrant arts, culture and food scene, and ex-Hoosiers apparently want a piece of that.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 25 July 2025
  • Two hundred years later, Carl’s Drug Store is still a vibrant part of the community.
    Shawn Hardy, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tony Finau is tied with Xander Schauffele for the longest active streak of Tour Championship appearances with eight straight East Lake appearances.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • How to check the air quality in Wisconsin The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Although television viewership has declined, the wrestling industry today is financially thriving due to revenue streams such as media rights deals, sponsorships, and live events.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Far from the central city of Bari, and challenging to maintain, even those that remained farms were no longer independent and thriving communities.
    Aileen Weintraub, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Making a brisk morning walk in the sun part of your daily routine can be a grounding, enjoyable experience.
    Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
  • When measuring the nation's collective fitness, the good news is Americans are more likely to take a brisk walk, play pickleball or lift weights.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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