animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

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

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 animated
Adjective
The animated fantasy sequel is co-directed by MTJJ (Zhang Ping) and Gu Jie. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2025 Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old; naturally creative, enthusiastic and animated; able to positively interact non-verbally with guests; able to walk, climb and stand while wearing a heavy, oversized and confining full body character costume for up to 20-30 minutes at a time. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
Lazarus is produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA. Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Brody worked the room like an architect with a plan, getting animated in a discussion with Board of Governors member Rita Wilson and then regaling SAG Award orator Jane Fonda at the bar. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • If the story is slight, the development of the characters through the songs’ lyrics and the performances of them animate and elevate the proceedings.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The panel of creators will discuss the role of narrative art in society while tracing humanity’s innate desire to draw, animate and bring to life stories across the millennia.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • From intimate evenings at home to lively dinner parties, Wine Chips make every sip more memorable.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Stay at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, in walking distance to the Alamo and a few minutes drive to the Pearl District, a lively shopping and dining hub.
    Essence, Essence, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Getty Images Swifties have been busy celebrating Taylor Swift’s engagement to Travis Kelce, but one group of fans—the Gaylors—haven’t taken the news so well.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The 2025 college football offseason was busy for the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Slim Straight Jeans Gap’s been on its game recently, from that energetic Katseye ad to the collab with Béis.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Originally bred as cattle herders in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are energetic and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the heart of Columbia Tusculum, where Cincinnati's oldest neighborhood breathes with vibrant, historic energy, April Combs Mann struck a new kind of chord.
    Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Costa Mujeres is located right on the Caribbean Sea, known for its warm, turquoise waters and vibrant marine life.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jackson is very active with the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 863 at the Lebanon Municipal Airport doing all types of volunteer work, such as ramp safety operations.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Mosquitoes are active when temperatures remain above 50F, say pest experts.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Modern humans are evolutionary survivors, thriving generation after generation while our ancient relatives died out.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Long renowned for its thriving seafood scene, Massachusetts draws tourists each year to dine on steamers, oysters and New England clam chowder, but this storied state is perhaps best known for its lobster.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And, importantly, market across the world are appearing to price in relatively brisk activity.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Half of the group followed a Mediterranean diet while also incorporating additional lifestyle changes, including cutting about 600 calories a day, adding moderate exercise (like brisk walking or light strength training), and receiving professional weight-loss support.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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