LIVELY Synonyms: 172 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lively 1 of 2

adverb

Definition of lively next

as in playfully

in a quick and spirited manner now then, step lively there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lively

2 of 2

adjective

ˈlīv-lē

as in energetic

having much high-spirited energy and movement the lively puppy was racing around the dining room floor chasing after people's shoelaces

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vibrant

marked by much life, movement, or activity the party was a lively affair that lasted into the small hours of the morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 lively

Adjective

Evenings are lively, with exhibitions, live music, and club nights being a staple. —

Vivienne Dovi, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, exchanges with others will be lively and dynamic because everyone has an opinion today! —

Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2024 Of the label’s natural perfumes, Free 00 is arguably the most lively, smelling fresh, soothing, and citrus-forward through notes of Sicilian lemon, mandarin, and orange flower opposite Egyptian jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, and waterlily. —

Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024 There will be lively music, gifts for kids, and hot latkes. —

Miriam Porter, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lively

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively

Adjective

This adaptation is especially significant given the energetic limitations of the deep sea; by luring prey rather than actively hunting, the anglerfish minimizes energy expenditure—a critical advantage in a resource-scarce ecosystem.

Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Bleachers, the energetic pop band led by Taylor Swift producer Jack Antonoff, played Connecticut a few months ago at the Soundside Festival in Bridgeport, joining that festival when Queens of the Stone Age had to drop off the bill.

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Dec. 2024