lively 1 of 2

Definition of livelynext

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
The neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto stay lively late into the night with fado music, good wine, and shared plates. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025 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
Adjective
And the familiar flavors combined with the lively, cloud-like texture seamlessly flow from grocery store pickup to gourmet. Rai Mincey, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026 Cue the lively, passionate debate, which might even border on outright head-butting as foreplay. Maressa Brown, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adverb
  • When snowflakes began to fall, some stuck their tongues out and laughed, playfully nudging one another.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Addressing people in the crowd from the stage, Chalamet playfully called out the Paris venue for charging attendees overpriced tickets to attend the premiere of the A24 movie.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When the energetic Sun clashes with unpredictable Uranus, plans are likely to wobble, pushing us to adapt expectations and stretch comfort zones.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Good side gigs for these energetic individuals?
    Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Of the other options, Bone Fire takes grilling to another level with unique preparations of excellent cuts of meat and fresh fish, while Marea, which serves lunch and dinner, explores the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
    José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Kelly’s emotional two-dimensionality increases our anger on behalf of Pidgeon’s Carolyn, a vibrant professional woman who sees her life and her career toxified by the paparazzi and the press.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • During the trial, many of Cardi's impassioned exchanges with the Janfaza went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Tang joined Adult Swim in 2012 and contributed to the development of numerous live‑action and animated originals including Joe Pera Talks with You, Royal Crackers, The Eric Andre Show, and the WGA Award-winning Three Busy Debras.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Lately, Chalamet has been busy moving beyond movie promotion and hitting the Oscars campaign trail following his best actor nomination for Marty Supreme.
    Christi Carras, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
  • This can be a place of refuge after a busy day of new experiences or from the bustling pool deck.
    Megan duBois, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Hours before the awards ceremony, the veteran exec is still sprightly trodding the labyrinthine corridors of the festival home of the International Theatre Amsterdam.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Nov. 2025
  • Rice was playing at an All-Pro level last year before suffering a torn ACL, second-year receiver Xavier Worthy is always improving and even tight end Travis Kelce is appearing more sprightly than last campaign.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The numbers represent subs launched but not necessarily completed and added to the active-duty fleet, where the US still maintains a large advantage.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Barnes is the third active coach and the ninth all time to win 250-plus games at two schools after going 402-180 at Texas.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Just off the gondola entrance sits Club Moritzino, one of the Dolomites’ most enduring mountain huts and a buzzing lunch and apres-ski destination.
    Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
  • From Montana to Colorado, here's where to find great powder, epic skiing, and buzzing après scenes out West.
    Caroline Tell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lively

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