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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vivacious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vivacious are animated, gay, lively, and sprightly. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

When is animated a more appropriate choice than vivacious?

Although the words animated and vivacious have much in common, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

Where would gay be a reasonable alternative to vivacious?

The words gay and vivacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use lively instead of vivacious?

While in some cases nearly identical to vivacious, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When could sprightly be used to replace vivacious?

The synonyms sprightly and vivacious are sometimes interchangeable, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

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 vivacious The momentum continues as Mercury — the planet of communication and thought processes — enters vivacious Leo on June 26, adding a passionate, vivacious and cinematic flair to our conversations and exchanges. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 June 2025 This vivacious placement evokes the desire for attention, recognition and excitement. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 June 2025 Akerman, dark-haired and vivacious, is from Colombia, born and brought up in Bogotá. Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 5 June 2025 Among a few standouts are 35-year-old Brittany, a funny and vivacious partnership executive who does not get nearly enough screen time, and Joey, a goofy 35-year-old physician associate with the Platonic Ideal of a Minnesota accent. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • That spot felt sacred to Sheri – where Sam felt one of the most joyful moments of his life.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 30 July 2025
  • There may have been a stray note here or there, but the breezy setting and joyful sound made by so many trumpets made any wobbles float by with the breeze.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Don Santiago was influenced by the exuberant polkas played by German and Czech oom-pah dance bands in South and Central Texas.
    John Burnett, NPR, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Megalopolis was received with an exuberant reaction on the opening night on the Jersey Shore.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • McCabe, an Arsenal fan favourite known for her uncompromising playing style and effervescent off-field personality, was at the centre of much of the discussion as fans daydreamed about her reaction to it all.
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The effervescent Goldsberry tells us about her new music, the albums that shaped her and other essentials.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tony Finau is tied with Xander Schauffele for the longest active streak of Tour Championship appearances with eight straight East Lake appearances.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • How to check the air quality in Wisconsin The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nest Lychee Rose is bubblier and way more rose-forward, Kayali Sparkling Lychee has more fruit variety but less actual lychee somehow.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2025
  • The difference is subtle, but the fine filter creates milk that's a bit bubblier than the ultrafine filter.
    Jaina Grey, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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