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lively

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lively contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lively are animated, gay, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

In what contexts can animated take the place of lively?

The synonyms animated and lively are sometimes interchangeable, but animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When could gay be used to replace lively?

The meanings of gay and lively largely overlap; however, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When can sprightly be used instead of lively?

The words sprightly and lively are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When is it sensible to use vivacious instead of lively?

Although the words vivacious and lively have much in common, 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 lively
Adjective
Though the neighborhood has shed much of its identity as a hub of Greek culture and evolved into the city’s liveliest nightlife center, a number of food businesses continue to honor its roots. Lyndsay C. Green, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 July 2025 The Four Seasons was fine in the way most Netflix comedies are just fine, but Domingo brought a lively, effervescent presence that was such a pleasure to watch. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2025 In February, a lively and well-attended protest march took over the streets of downtown McAllen; a news site compared it to a celebration after a high-school-football victory. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 7 July 2025 The music was lively, and the people were friendly. Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
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
  • Columbus is regarded for its vibrant arts, culture and food scene, and ex-Hoosiers apparently want a piece of that.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 25 July 2025
  • Handshake Bitters Rooted in Persian heritage and Portland’s vibrant food scene, Handshake Bitters is part digestif, part storybook.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 25 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
Adjective
  • Ever since then, it’s been sitting on the shore, beached like a shipwreck, just feet from a busy highway.
    John Carlisle, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Horton said summer is always the busiest, with the program planning several events each month to combat the rise in homicides and violent crimes as the weather warms.
    Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 23 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
  • Character models in the distance no longer animate at a lower frame rate than those in the foreground.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • No matter its age and despite its survival being dependent on machines, just like its mother, the fetus is entirely animate.
    Lindsey Breitwieser, The Conversation, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, despite its thriving telenovela industry, and many promising starts (see: Charlie’s Angels and 8th & Ocean), Miami has spawned few successful television series outside the realm of reality TV.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
  • Careful attention to water needs is key to keeping 'Everest' Carex healthy and thriving.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Making a brisk morning walk in the sun part of your daily routine can be a grounding, enjoyable experience.
    Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
  • When measuring the nation's collective fitness, the good news is Americans are more likely to take a brisk walk, play pickleball or lift weights.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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