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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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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
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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
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Menu includes dishes like zajiang mian (noodles with a rich pork sauce), spicy noodles with beef and a variety of other tasty, fiery options.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Mayfield’s fiery competitive style didn’t end when the clock hit triple zeroes.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Those episodes were made with the company's proprietary AI engine, fine-tuned for animated storytelling.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Golden State Valkyries finished the greatest season from an expansion team in league history, shattering attendance records and making a spirited playoff push that galvanized the fan base.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
19 Sep. 2025
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The conversations were spirited and robust but hardly rancorous.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Expect a lively mix of chef demos, book signings, brunch-style tastings, and conversation with some of the region’s most influential women.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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The kind of free speech and lively discourse that Kirk espoused involved spreading hateful conspiracy theories and misinformation.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Prince of Wales, 43, was asked whether his youngest son has a spunky personality at his latest royal engagement.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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That spunky spirit lingered into the nineties and early two-thousands.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Royster recalled her animate Catholic teachings and love of Pope Francis’s vision for the church and the prophetic role to hold the government accountable.—
Olivia Cyrus,
Sacbee.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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If the story is slight, the development of the characters through the songs’ lyrics and the performances of them animate and elevate the proceedings.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Sep. 2025
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Investing in employee growth creates passionate advocates who deliver exceptional customer experiences, which then builds community goodwill.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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