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

Art museums, aquariums, and botanical gardens are favorite features here, as is the town's lively dining and social scene. —

Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 The wine is sourced from Provence, known for its exceptional Rosé wines, and is noted for its delicate peach aroma combined with hints of tropical fruit and a lively lemon finish. —

Lydia Mee, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 Some areas, such as L.A.’s Fashion District, remain lively, but the inescapable realities of homelessness, mental illness and drug use keep many visitors and businesses away. —

Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024 According to Wolman, there's a lively debate about which Scottsdale location is better. —

Reia Li, The Arizona Republic, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lively

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively

Adjective

The model of leaning on external policing, rather than paid fact-checking, takes a page from the policies adopted by X under the control of Elon Musk, who bought the platform formerly known as Twitter in 2022 and has since emerged as one of Trump’s most energetic — and influential — supporters.

Mike Lillis, The Hill, 9 Jan. 2025
The tone of the film also matched Aubrey so much as an artist, and her energetic match was so perfect to me.

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025