1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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He's been a warrior, always bouncing back to his energetic self.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
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MoMA’s 2024 book Inventing the Modern celebrates the museum’s female founders—Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan—and the energetic idealism required to get these efforts off the ground in an often hostile culture.—
Susan Tallman,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For that red-hot setup, Selfridges placed a fiery red Jil Sander coat, straight from the brand’s spring 2025 runway, front and center.—
Violet Goldstone,
WWD,
12 Mar. 2025
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Washington Post critic Ron Charles (March 9) How bad could the North Sea tanker collision be for the environment? Crew member reveals harrowing details of fiery cargo ship crash off U.K.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This means that the growing international voting bloc is an Oscar force to be reckoned with for animated feature.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2025
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For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Manager Aaron Boone engaged in a spirited conversation with Schallock about batting practice and fielding drills.—
Daniel Brown,
The Athletic,
9 Mar. 2025
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The nearly four-hour ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, featured other memorable moments, including a powerful speech from a first-time acting winner and a series of spirited musical numbers.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC News,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Stripes Everywhere Stripes are having a major design moment, proving that the lively pattern is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2025
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The High Kings and Mary Black Palmer Auditorium, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy., New London A full evening of Irish music with vocalist Mary Black, lively traditional Irish band The High Kings plus Róisín O is being presented by The Kate but held at Connecticut College’s Palmer Auditorium.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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However, Irene could use the company and her rapport with the spunky Mia warms up a film that’s cool by design.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
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Over the course of just under a decade, the Youngbloods transformed from a tough, spunky New York City bar band (heard on their 1967 debut, The Youngbloods) to mellow, stoner-friendly Marin County Americana predecessors (heard on later albums like Good and Dusty).—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Your business should excite your customers, frustrate your competitors and animate and motivate your people.—
Jeffrey Russell,
Forbes,
6 Nov. 2024
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Photo : Paul Barnaby Robert Longo photographs animate the entry foyer.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Despite some of the passionate opposition, the committee voted 6-2 in favor of the bill on Tuesday.—
Heather Hunter,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
20 Mar. 2025
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Embrace the passionate bike culture and explore the city on two wheels (the bike lanes are plentiful and safe).—
Sandra MacGregor,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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