sprightly 1 of 2

sprightly

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sprightly contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sprightly are animated, gay, lively, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might animated be a better fit than sprightly?

In some situations, the words animated and sprightly are roughly equivalent. However, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When is it sensible to use gay instead of sprightly?

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

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Where would lively be a reasonable alternative to sprightly?

While the synonyms lively and sprightly are close in meaning, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When is vivacious a more appropriate choice than sprightly?

Although the words vivacious and sprightly 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 sprightly
Adjective
In this sprightly sequel to the 2018 hit, Harrelson has a blast as a deranged killer who is transformed into the monstrous Carnage, a symbiote as powerful as Venom. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 14 July 2024 Through a melodic flow of political parlance and an impressive stable of sprightly actors, creator Debora Cahn stages a spirited play about political relationships — and relationship politics — that never feels stodgy or stupefying, despite an ungodly amount of dialogue. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024 It’s filled with colorful side characters, like the sprightly Pinky, whose zest for life has not been tempered by her own past tragedies. Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 Eco does its best to up efficiency; Normal is set up to give sprightly performance without draining the battery; Sport gives sharper performance and turns the instruments red; and Snow is designed to keep the car in check when the white stuff falls. Alex Goy, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sprightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly
Adjective
  • Panelists had been carefully chosen and the moderators ensured lively debates took place.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • To introduce persimmon in a balanced way, Bassford recommends incorporating the color into decorative touches like wallpaper, upholstery, or bedding for a lively yet harmonious effect.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a fantastic week in Paris — energetic and full of strong debuts.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Claudine’s vibe is welcoming and the lunch crowd is energetic.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Katt also lent his voice to the animated The Get Along Gang in the mid-1980s, and in Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • In the brief animated video graphic shared to Perry’s Instagram, the expedition’s logo comes into frame, against a starry sky.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Warhol is a brisk dip in self-deprecating self-examination.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Monday’s weather for the A’s first home game was unseasonably cool with rain earlier in the day and game-time temperature a brisk 52 degrees with some light wind.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These teams also check for individuals with active warrants.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That’s bad news for millions of people in the central and southern US dealing with active flooding and those trying to clean up in the aftermath.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Charcuterie and cheese, potatoes and onions, meat and offal: These are the ingredients that animate Harris’s chalkboard menu, all old friends, treated with a grandmotherly mix of tenderness and brawn.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Your business should excite your customers, frustrate your competitors and animate and motivate your people.
    Jeffrey Russell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Sprightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprightly. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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