1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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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
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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
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Mars will bring a fun, fiery vibe to your love life, and with a trine to Uranus in your sign on Aug. 8, expect sparks to fly!—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Alfredo Gutierrez was not just the fiery activist that many remember.—
Joanna Allhands,
AZCentral.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Friday afternoon’s follow-up saw the hosts win by a final score of 3-2, but the Braves mounted a spirited late comeback that fell just short.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
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Sixth-year Coach Sam Pittman and veteran players Fernando Carmona and Larry Worth III all said the early wake-up call for the 6:20 a.m. practice, which was held with temperatures starting in the high 60s under overcast skies, led to a spirited workout in light shoulder pads and shorts.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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But afterward, the musician’s fans transformed a typically morose event into a lively commemoration of life and music that stretched across Osbourne’s hometown.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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And Hanley sounded perhaps better than ever, with warm yet youthful vocals and a spunky yet welcoming attitude that only the most charismatic rock stars could pull off.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
26 July 2025
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But as the spunky pixie holding the story’s reins, Bobo commands our attention.—
Natalia Winkelman,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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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
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Steenburgen is also a passionate advocate for increasing funding for the arts in schools across the country.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
30 July 2025
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His parents and siblings served in the military, but Bradley, who wouldn't qualify to serve because of severe vision impairment in his right eye, was passionate about helping his community in a different way.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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