1
as in pistols
a very energetic person
the babysitter will have her hands full with those two little live wires
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerhouses
an ambitious person who eagerly goes after what is desired
that new reporter on the police beat is a real live wire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of live wires
On the other hand, the Cracker Barrel debacle touched so many live wires of American politics that the story was simply irresistible.
—
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for live wires
Noun
-
The statement about the gun was technically true—most modern pistols are—but misleading.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
-
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said Kim visited a factory producing pistols and other light arms a day earlier and reviewed a new pistol that recently entered production.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Johnnies opened a 17-point cushion in the first half and took two of three meetings this season between the conference powerhouses.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Australian wines made from 100 percent Shiraz are often full-on powerhouses, from the first scents of blackberry, blueberry, violet, spice, and black pepper to tastes of black cherry, cassis, jalapeño, chocolate, and espresso that lead to a long, chewy finish.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Live wires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/live%20wires. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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