spirited
adjective
spir·it·ed
ˈspir-ə-təd 
: full of energy, animation, or courage
a spirited discussion
spiritedly
adverb
spiritedness
noun
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You may see spirited used to describe a conversation, a debate, a horse, or a campaign. And it often shows up in such words as high-spirited ("bold and energetic"), mean-spirited ("spiteful"), and public-spirited ("generous to a community"), all of which reflect the original meaning of spirit, a notion much like "soul" or "personality".
Examples of spirited in a Sentence
The team put up a spirited defense.
She's a very spirited young lady.
Recent Examples on the Web
Throughout May, this spirited group of machinists was on the streets 24 hours a day.
—
Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
First launched in 2000, this bi-annual event has become a force within the global LGBTQ+ community, with a wealth of educational sessions and spirited events occurring across each iteration.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Its repertoire mixes everything from Cajun waltzes and traditional Congolese ballads to Merle Haggard classics and spirited hoedowns.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
The unexpected twist, however, is via Italian bergamot and mandarin—offering a spirited effect like that of a powerful woman.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
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Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
First launched in 2000, this bi-annual event has become a force within the global LGBTQ+ community, with a wealth of educational sessions and spirited events occurring across each iteration.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Its repertoire mixes everything from Cajun waltzes and traditional Congolese ballads to Merle Haggard classics and spirited hoedowns.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
The unexpected twist, however, is via Italian bergamot and mandarin—offering a spirited effect like that of a powerful woman.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirited. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spirited
adjective
spir·it·ed
ˈspir-ət-əd
: full of courage or energy
a spirited discussion
spiritedly
adverb
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