1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective energetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of energetic are lusty, nervous, strenuous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

When can lusty be used instead of energetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to energetic, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When is it sensible to use nervous instead of energetic?

The words nervous and energetic can be used in similar contexts, but nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Where would strenuous be a reasonable alternative to energetic?

While the synonyms strenuous and energetic are close in meaning, strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is vigorous a more appropriate choice than energetic?

The synonyms vigorous and energetic are sometimes interchangeable, but vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

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 energetic Unfortunately, the bulk of the requisite moralizing falls mainly to Palmer’s socially conscious Elena, saddled with one too many speeches about making a difference, which puts a damper on the actress’ customary energetic spark. Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 That’s why having the moon in Aries on Monday and Tuesday might feel like an energetic detox and a push to let go of lingering fears and reclaim your power in connections. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 7 Sep. 2025 There’s a simmering rage and self-loathing to Blakey, which Latif matches in the form of unpredictable camera motion, but these introductory moments are about as energetic as the movie ever gets. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 There are no rock concert-style hand mikes or microphone stands as in the original, and the energetic, ritualistic dancing in this production is unique. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energetic
Adjective
  • It is blessed with a huge territory, a dynamic economy and the strategic luxury of large oceans on its east and west and much smaller powers to its north and south.
    John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a sunny Tuesday morning, 35-year-old Rita Guerrero stepped out from her door on North Mariposa Street, lively pup Olive barely contained by her leash.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Zarutska worked in a lively area of the lower South End dotted with breweries, apartment complexes and coffee shops.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, this doesn’t mean that someone with strong justice cannot be angry or vigorous about addressing injustices.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And some blue states have been more vigorous about gerrymandering.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, there is a robust market with rising demand for dishwashers worldwide.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In data science, it is applied to develop and implement robust error-correcting codes for data storage and transmission.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking of the 2023 playoffs, the Rangers active 28-man roster features only three players who were also on their ‘23 postseason roster.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To qualify for a portion of the county arts funding, organizations must be active 501(c)3 entities, located and operating in Milwaukee County, organized for the primary purpose of producing or presenting the arts, and open to the general public, according to the county's application terms.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mid-summer changes to United’s revolving credit facility indicated a switch in strategy, and there was a more aggressive approach in the market following a summit in Iceland between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At each camp, the team leaves behind a small but powerful item, a red card that explains what to do during encounters with immigration officials.
    David Rodriguez Muñoz, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The movie, created with partners Native Foreign and Vertigo Films, is being produced in just nine months on a budget under $30 million—far less than typical animated features—and is slated to debut at Cannes before a global 2026 release.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The animated series touches on the relationships between fathers and sons, prompting Yeun, as the lead actor, to reflect on his own fatherhood journey.
    Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Energetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energetic. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on energetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!