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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 Over the years the vivacious Brit has has empowered countless women around the world and gained a fiercely loyal following. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 Venus in Leo is vivacious and charismatic, particularly in the realm of relationships, finances and one’s personal aesthetic. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The aristocratic designer often drew upon his worldly childhood experiences–Pucci produced clothing, upholstery, living room accessories, purses, shoes, and clothing that reflected all this exposure, print-packed and vivacious. Essence, 14 Aug. 2025 But when a vivacious young female teacher arrives, and the townspeople begin imagining a romantic match, his life comes apart. Philip Metres july 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
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
  • From vibrant vases to bold candle holders, this playful line brings a joyful spin to festive gatherings.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Through healing spaces rooted in rites of passage, fatherhood circles, and creative expression, Cooper is reframing mental health care as joyful, community-centered, and culturally resonant.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
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
  • Exhibitors, which include luxury and exclusive car makers, collectors, modifiers and more, also stage new model reveals and events throughout the day lending to an even more exuberant experience.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Atelier Ndigo by Waina Chancy offered up an exuberant collection led by hues such as cherry red and deep blue.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 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
  • In 1951, the effervescent Crowley starred as a spoiled teenager on the ABC Saturday afternoon show A Date With Judy, which had been a popular radio program and then a 1948 movie that starred Jane Powell.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In another, Weaver and his team ferment orange blossom honey, transforming it into something tangy, sweet, and just slightly effervescent.
    Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 10 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
  • Unsurprisingly, Kreisler couldn’t contain her bubbly personality that radio listeners grew to love over her decades on KLOK and KBAY.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Laura Burdese, deputy CEO, Bulgari A bubbly personality and sparkling energy coupled with sharp business acumen define Burdese, who makes a case of the (too) few women executives sitting at the top of international luxury companies.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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