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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

Examples of lively in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The ancient city of Volubilis is the main draw here, and a few hours can easily be spent wandering the ruins but don’t skip the town and its lively square. Elle Benson Easton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 Take Two Film Academy, a premier filmmaking and media literacy organization will conduct a lively workshop on the elements of filmmaking after a screening of the short film With the Tide. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 In March 2026 Seabourn Venture will embark on a Wild South Atlantic sailing that includes the Falkland Islands and Argentinian ports like Bahia Bustamante, ideal for nature lovers, and Puerto Madryn, with its sandy beaches and lively restaurants, before making its way up the coast of South America. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024 One thing is for certain in all observing communities: The lively adornment of sacred spaces, including the home and one’s altar, is a big part of this celebration. Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lively 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adjective
  • Legendary designer Stephen Burrows received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award from Donna Karan and Todd Oldham for his incredible, energetic clothing, his contribution to fostering diversity in American fashion, and elevating it on the global stage at the Battle of Versailles.
    Emily Mercer, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The sun’s journey through mystifying Scorpio can explain the eerie backdrop and energetic atmosphere of All Hallows’ Eve.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Its close proximity to Hyde Park also places owners in short walking distance of vibrant art, murals, world-class restaurants, and bars.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
  • The sweet-tart flavor and vibrant pop of color makes a welcome addition to yeast breads (Cranberry-Hibiscus Babka) and quick breads (Fresh Cranberry-Pepita Buttermilk Bread). Cakes, cobblers, and pies.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • On the Tuesday, Oct. 22 episode of Dancing with the Stars, the Olympian, 25, and his dance partner, Rylee Arnold, took on the roles of Hercules and Meg from the 1997 animated classic, Hercules, for the show's Disney night.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
  • On Friday, the Japanese musical collective released their trilingual, cross-cultural collaboration with Rauw and Tainy, along with its animated music video.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Trending on Billboard And beyond that, amid another absolutely bananas busy week for dance music releases, these are the best new tracks of the week.
    Billboard Staff, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
  • Fans without tickets will have plenty of activities to keep them busy with more than 50 Eras Tour events outside of the stadium.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Rather than simply managing change from the top, successful organizations will empower employees to be active participants in the change process.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
  • Harrison remembers her grandmother as a lively and active woman, even in her old age.
    Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • While plugged in and charging but not in use, the LEDs animate with a red sweeping motion every few seconds.
    Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, 15 Apr. 2024
  • Viewers learned through that film's post-credits scene (in which Art's first final girl, Victoria, gives birth to his animate head in her padded sanitarium cell) and throughout Terrifier 3 that Art is definitively not of this world, and seemingly indestructible.
    EW.com, EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Watch on Deadline The hope is to regain a thriving theatrical marketplace, which the Fithian Group says has been in decline for the past 20 years, well before the massive hit from Covid, streaming, and Hollywood strikes.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024
  • This new lifestyle destination in Shanghai has seen two decades of investment to transform the area into a thriving hub of sports, culture, and entertainment.
    Livia Hengel, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Finally, Su, who has a brisk, cheerful charm, took the podium and said that the plant would help solve the climate crisis, create jobs for the local community, and give schoolchildren a chance to breathe cleaner air.
    Nicholas Lemann, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
  • The designers are keeping a brisk schedule as of late, having rolled out their latest bridal collection in New York City and been honored by the Fashion Group International this month in Chicago.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near lively

Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lively

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