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lively

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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
Adverb
His disdain for Christmas is no match for visits from enchanting ghosts, a lively ensemble of characters, and the music of the season. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025 Music comes through with clean highs and enough bass to keep things lively at everyday listening levels. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Heated Debate in the Comments The post ignited a lively debate among Reddit users. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Its eyes are lively too; each is an LCD with a slew of animations from which to choose. PC Magazine, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adverb
  • Bruno playfully joked that Scott had stolen his suit before offering more feedback.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Later in the game, when officials did call a travel on Atlanta, Clark was seen imitating the gesture again, playfully.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 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
  • At the end of the movie, the trio perform the song as themselves — the only non-animated artists featured.
    Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Those episodes were made with the company's proprietary AI engine, fine-tuned for animated storytelling.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike traditional campus speakers who delivered lectures in auditoriums, Kirk would grab a microphone, often in busy campus hubs, and invite debate from anyone in the audience.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • All of this is part of a busy night sky in September.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Gadsden was active Sunday for the first time in his NFL career.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Also, keeping your dogs and cats active is a great brain activity and keeps them healthy both mentally and physically.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 21 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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