ANIMATED Synonyms: 251 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'animated' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay , lively , sprightly , and vivacious . While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active. // an animated discussion of current events

Q: When can 'gay' be used instead of 'animated'?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated , gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits. // the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Q: When is 'lively' a more appropriate choice than 'animated'?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy. // a lively debate on the issues

Q: When would 'sprightly' be a good substitute for 'animated'?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit. // a tuneful, sprightly musical

Q: When might 'vivacious' be a better fit than 'animated'?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring. // a vivacious party host

animated 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-nə-ˌmā-təd

Definition of animated next

as in animate

having much high-spirited energy and movement an animated group of girls loudly running down the hall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in buzzing

marked by much life, movement, or activity an animated marketplace full of vendors and holiday shoppers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

as in stimulated

to give life, vigor, or spirit to Mr. Clark animates history for his sixth graders by frequently showing up for class dressed like some famous historical figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

Examples 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 animated

Adjective

Marc Webb’s reimagining of the 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, co-written by Greta Gerwig, stars Rachel Zegler in the title role, with Gal Gadot playing the Evil Queen. —

Ben Rosenstock, TIME, 19 Dec. 2024 This year, the work of Kevin Crossman shimmers with lights that seem to be more animated than ever before. —

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

Watch the 2020 animated short to find out! —

Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024 It's beautifully animated with a soundtrack that fits the tone really well. —

Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for animated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated

Adjective

Photo : Paul Barnaby Robert Longo photographs animate the entry foyer.

Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2024
Toward the end, the story begins to shift perspective, first from Gabriel to his friend June, then to Thornton, and finally to the animate natural world around them.

Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024