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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective energetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of energetic are lusty, nervous, strenuous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

When can lusty be used instead of energetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to energetic, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When is it sensible to use nervous instead of energetic?

The words nervous and energetic can be used in similar contexts, but nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Where would strenuous be a reasonable alternative to energetic?

While the synonyms strenuous and energetic are close in meaning, strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is vigorous a more appropriate choice than energetic?

The synonyms vigorous and energetic are sometimes interchangeable, but vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

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 energetic Think of it as an energetic inheritance: the ability to release what’s no longer working and invest in deeper, more nourishing bonds. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 20 July 2025 The company utilizes many dance styles in its energetic, acrobatic performances from ballet to hip-hop. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025 Born 12 years apart, videos shared by their mom online show an energetic and happy Izzy Offett and a reserved Wayland Coe through the years. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 July 2025 These curious cats are energetic, curious and know their names. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • Biggest question: How might the linebacker dynamic change in Allen’s scheme? Edmunds and Edwards spent the spring working at both the weak-side and middle linebacker spots (Edwards missed some time with a soft-tissue injury).
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
  • This dynamic annual production highlights the athleticism and artistry of ballet, providing a unique opportunity to see Louisville Ballet's talented artists present a series of thrilling new pieces.
    Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yanga features the vibrant colors, lively rhythms, melodic tunes, and bold concepts of Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 July 2025
  • Visitors are always welcome to join the event for a lively meeting filled with camaraderie, inspiring guest speakers, and a delicious lunch.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • During a vigorous cross examination, prosecutors parsed through his story, questioning him on his history with police officers.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • Adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity — like walking, dancing or gardening — or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, Makarem added.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • The retreat from a bipartisan tradition of robust foreign aid alone will cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and could lead to millions more in the next few years by some estimates.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025
  • But the robust coffee base can be a bit strong for a toasty summer day.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 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
  • Being too aggressive with your use of ice can damage your skin.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 22 July 2025
  • Chantel’s aggressive, no-nonsense delivery clashed with Jackie’s passive-deflective tone, turning what could’ve been a breakthrough into yet another blow-up.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, aboard the spacecraft will be twin NASA satellites that will orbit Earth in tandem while studying how the sun's powerful activity can disrupt our planet's magnetosphere.
    Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • The secretary said that some trade deals have marked powerful forward movement for the U.S.’ interests.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Netflix’s deal with Ubisoft got underway in 2020 and includes multiple Assassin’s Creed projects, including animated and anime series inspired by the games.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 17 July 2025
  • The two animated companions are available to anyone, including Grok users without a paid subscription, but users must opt in through the app’s settings to get access.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Energetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energetic. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on energetic

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