animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

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 animated
Adjective
Jack, notably the star of the 1993 animated classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, wore a black and white pinstripe suit, accentuating his skeletal frame and spooky smile — and his new mask embodies that signature smirk! Charna Flam, People.com, 13 May 2025 The newcomer enrolled in tap classes, and trained fastidiously with associate choreographer Rachelle Rak, figuring out how an animated siren might walk and stand. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
Lazarus is produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA. Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Brody worked the room like an architect with a plan, getting animated in a discussion with Board of Governors member Rita Wilson and then regaling SAG Award orator Jane Fonda at the bar. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • Such seemingly minor biographical details are what animate L’Enchanteur, which was born in 2012 after Soull and Dynasty merged their independent labels—Alkhemi9 and BRZÉ, respectively.
    Thessaly La Force, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Users do have creative freedom — freedom to learn to draw, animate, write, score, or direct their own projects.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Thus began a lively rivalry with Lee, who quickly learned Clemens possesses a killer serve.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In lieu of bunking in the 4,000-square-foot Lord House, built in 1962 just off of Mulholland Drive, rent it out by the hour and host a lively pool party.
    Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the summer, people here are too busy enjoying themselves—drinking on patios, reading languorous books, stretching weekends in Crystal Beach or Sherkston out over three, four, five days—to do much of any importance.
    Aidan Ryan June 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
  • But given her busy schedule, Burke said, it’s been a hard date to nail down.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Host Jennifer Lopez opened the show with an energetic dance number to a medley that included a mashup of songs by Beyoncé, Eilish, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and more.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • If your travel wardrobe skews neutral, this vibrant set is the perfect way to shake things up.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
  • The actress recently stepped out in Los Angeles wearing a vibrant orange halter-neck bathing suit from Lands’ End.
    Jennifer Chan, People.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, for active and retired military members, a 10% military discount is available year-round.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Today, Meta employs 74,000 employees despite having 3.3 billion monthly active users.
    Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those early investments in community development and youth engagement laid the foundation for what is now a thriving professional ecosystem.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Josh Kraft will deliver a more livable and thriving city for all Bostonians.
    Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The barn jacket makes for a stylish layering piece, which is perfect to bring along for cool nights around the bonfire or brisk boat rides.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Mike Dunleavy Reveals Big Offseason Roster Goal Now, after a brisk five-game defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves (mostly without their best player, Stephen Curry, who went down in Game 1 with a hamstring strain), the Warriors face an uncertain offseason.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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