1
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
the town meeting featured a spirited debate about the proposed ban on skateboarding in the plaza downtown
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a team known for its spirited and in-your-face basketball
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spirited
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Whether American retirees have enough savings and benefits to live comfortably in retirement is, however, a matter of spirited debate.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025
In a spirited bidding war, Netflix has landed an adaptation of The Secret of Secrets, from author Dan Brown and showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Jack Ryan, Locke and Key), with a series order.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Following a series of spirited performances in the finale, the votes were counted, and Fradiani was declared the winner.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Adjective
Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence.
—Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Whether American retirees have enough savings and benefits to live comfortably in retirement is, however, a matter of spirited debate.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025
In a spirited bidding war, Netflix has landed an adaptation of The Secret of Secrets, from author Dan Brown and showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Jack Ryan, Locke and Key), with a series order.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Following a series of spirited performances in the finale, the votes were counted, and Fradiani was declared the winner.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
Adjective
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Boulder attack suspect’s family detained The wife and five children of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in the fiery assault on Jewish demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, have been detained by immigration officials, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
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While some brands promise heat but don’t deliver, this lives up to the hype with a fiery blast of red jalapeño and habanero chilis.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Thus began a lively rivalry with Lee, who quickly learned Clemens possesses a killer serve.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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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
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His passionate pursuit of public service, driven by principle and purpose and not self-aggrandizement, was Gerry’s secret sauce.—
Paul Laudicina,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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The wistful cover makes the case for focusing more on the ballad and less on the power, aspect associated with the passionate love song.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
26 May 2025
Verb
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The cosmic whirlpool was captured in stunning video and appears to have been created by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster falling back toward Earth, according to experts.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
25 Mar. 2025
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The French Football Federation’s social media team captured his return to Clairefontaine, where he was shown sharing an embrace with Deschamps moments after crossing the famous chateau’s threshold.—
Tom Williams,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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With her spunky, outgoing nature, Li’Niaha loves making new friends at daycare to play with.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2025
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Moto Moto, run by the spunky Rashida (Arica Jackson) and emceed by the exuberant Ahmed (Nick Rashad Burroughs) becomes a hotbed of heterogeneity (there’s even a shaman) in a culture that is otherwise intolerant of mixing.—
Jesse Green,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Moreover, an animated Predator movie called Predator: Killer of Killers is coming to Hulu this summer.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
1 June 2025
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Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Examples include moderate or brisk walking, water aerobics, doubles tennis, slow cycling, or ballroom dancing.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
30 May 2025
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The sun peeked out, but brisk winds were blowing and temperatures only climbed to the high 40s near the lakefront.—
Susan DeGrane,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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