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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
Outside of work, Porter loves to spend time with his wife and very energetic 2 year old son.—
Greg Porter,
San Francisco Chronicle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Smith was bubbly and energetic, loved by her family and friends at Highland Park Academy, Maddox said.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One social media video taken from along a highway near the barracks showed the aftermath of the strike, with pieces of fiery debris scattered along the mountain range housing the barracks.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
-
One person is dead after a fiery crash involving a tree in New Canaan on Tuesday night.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Google suggests using the AI tools in Vids to create animated party flyers, business sizzle reels, or a video greeting card.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The popularity of the cards led to the creation of a toy line, which then spurred animated TV specials and, eventually, a TV series.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
About the only noticeable hiccup over an otherwise spirited weekend of NCAA women’s college basketball at Golden 1 Center occurred Sunday afternoon.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Heat players and coaches pointed to a spirited locker room at halftime as one of the reasons for Monday’s bounce-back victory.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Family discussions will be lively.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
By night, Ora’s lemon-yellow booths and terrazzo-crazy paving become a lively setting for Greco-Italian chef Ettore Botrini’s accessible but accomplished menu.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The original movie, released in 1999, starred Fraser as treasure hunter who travels to Egypt in the 1920s with a spunky librarian, played by Weisz, only to accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
-
While Robbie’s Cathy is spunky, stubborn, and independent, Elordi’s Heathcliff is brooding, desperate, and clingy.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The self is made of memories but can also shape them — an animate sculpture able to rework its own clay.—
Eric Boodman,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The same traits—sloppy reasoning but a desire for collective punishment—animate other immigration-policy announcements.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This is also an affectionate, passionate day that promotes hot romance.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
-
O’Neal is passionate about the concept, says Lee White, head of sports at WME Sports, which represents the basketball legend.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
