lively 1 of 2

lively

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lively contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lively are animated, gay, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

In what contexts can animated take the place of lively?

The synonyms animated and lively are sometimes interchangeable, but animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When could gay be used to replace lively?

The meanings of gay and lively largely overlap; however, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When can sprightly be used instead of lively?

The words sprightly and lively are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When is it sensible to use vivacious instead of lively?

Although the words vivacious and lively have much in common, 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 lively
Adjective
To this day a lively, biting, macabre comedy that was controversial in its time (and banned in Franco-era Spain for its anti-elite subtext), yet its core themes still resonate with uncanny oracular power. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025 The story was lively, funny, and ended with this terrific meet cute—ask her out, Max! Piers Gelly july 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025 Across the Front Range, dozens of farmers markets are in full swing, each one a lively hub where local growers, bakers and food purveyors bring their best to the table (and the vendor stalls). Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 23 July 2025 Now officially open, the interactive restaurant invites guests to craft their own culinary creations in a lively, open-kitchen setting with stunning bay views that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop. Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
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
  • Handshake Bitters Rooted in Persian heritage and Portland’s vibrant food scene, Handshake Bitters is part digestif, part storybook.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old; naturally creative, enthusiastic and animated; able to positively interact non-verbally with guests; able to walk, climb and stand while wearing a heavy, oversized and confining full body character costume for up to 20-30 minutes at a time.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The live-action reimagining of Disney's beloved animated classic made a big splash at the worldwide box office after its release in late May, bringing in more than $300 million in its opening weekend.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • This week is the second busiest of the second-quarter earnings season, with 124 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Holland, meanwhile, has been busy since his last foray into superhero fare.
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lively

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!