1
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
the town meeting featured a spirited debate about the proposed ban on skateboarding in the plaza downtown
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a team known for its spirited and in-your-face basketball
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spirited
Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Enjoying Jazz In its 21st year, the spirited Cape Cod Jazz Festival offers visitors (hotel guests and the public) the chance to enjoy live music and try great food and drinks on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August.
—Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
There was a spirited late rally which came to nothing.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
As Zora, Johansson is at least high-energy, yet her spirited line deliveries don’t make up for her character’s almost distressing ignorance of the dangers around her.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Verb
The accessories in this collection lived somewhere on the spectrum between sophisticated and spirited — inspired by a morning on the beach after staying up all night at a party.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Enjoying Jazz In its 21st year, the spirited Cape Cod Jazz Festival offers visitors (hotel guests and the public) the chance to enjoy live music and try great food and drinks on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August.
—Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
There was a spirited late rally which came to nothing.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
As Zora, Johansson is at least high-energy, yet her spirited line deliveries don’t make up for her character’s almost distressing ignorance of the dangers around her.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
Adjective
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One fiery comment that’s floating around is that this could turn out to be another semblance of the infamous Sputnik crisis.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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In another, cucumber kimchi, a fresh and crunchy side dressed in gochujang with a fiery kick that cuts through the richness filling the rest of my tray.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
22 July 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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At a time when personal expression and wellness are at the heart of home design, this equally grounding and lively shade couldn’t be more timely.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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LeBron James is one of the latest to join the long list of stars from other sports who are passionate about golf.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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
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
Verb
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The cosmic whirlpool was captured in stunning video and appears to have been created by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster falling back toward Earth, according to experts.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
25 Mar. 2025
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The French Football Federation’s social media team captured his return to Clairefontaine, where he was shown sharing an embrace with Deschamps moments after crossing the famous chateau’s threshold.—
Tom Williams,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 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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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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Making a brisk morning walk in the sun part of your daily routine can be a grounding, enjoyable experience.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
23 July 2025
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When measuring the nation's collective fitness, the good news is Americans are more likely to take a brisk walk, play pickleball or lift weights.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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