as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a sprightly child who often claims to be too tired to move when it's time to do chores
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in playfully
in a quick and spirited manner
every morning the elderly couple sprightly sets out on a walk
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 sprightly
Chloe Veltman, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
The moments in which the camera captures her toned form and her sprightly movements are exciting and impressive.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Adjective
The award-winning writer was best known for her sprightly tales starring such anthropomorphic characters as sibling pigs and a gang of mice.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
The moments in which the camera captures her toned form and her sprightly movements are exciting and impressive.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Those episodes were made with the company's proprietary AI engine, fine-tuned for animated storytelling.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Even moderate exercise, like a brisk walk, can improve your mood, sleep, and overall energy levels.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Cooler temps and far less humidity than in summer make fall the ideal time to visit, and if the evenings get a bit brisk, there's always a glass of bourbon to take the chill away.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Some of the most active users of AI are now turning to the bots for things like life advice, therapy, and human intimacy.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Interior islands may exhibit active fire and isolated torching or trees may occur.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Sprightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprightly. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share