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.
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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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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
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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
Adjective
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Nix commands respect because of his work ethic, his maturity, his performance and his fiery competitiveness.Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 11 Dec. 2024
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Crockett is an outspoken critic of Trump and his GOP allies who frequently makes headlines for her fiery remarks.Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, this stage musical is bedecked for the holidays.Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2024
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Moana 2 splashed into theaters on Nov. 27, and viewers are already eager to know when the animated prequel will be available on Disney+.Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Although Moscow aimed for a quick victory over its Eastern European neighbor, viewed as having a much smaller military, its spirited defense effort bolstered by the U.S. and its NATO allies, has blocked it from making substantial gains.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
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Caleb Williams had his best game of the season, leading the spirited comeback for naught.Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Stroll corridors filled with lively conversation; hear and see in faithful detail what transpired almost three centuries ago.Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
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With a friendly and gentle temperament, the vizsla is well suited to lively households and enjoys participating in various dog sports and outdoor activities.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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That change-up does work, though, as a deft musical nod to Moana’s evolution from spunky sailor wannabe and rebellious daughter to rookie boat captain and beloved big sister.Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
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Though Moo Deng is known for her spunky attitude, Nundee said her siblings were just as playful.Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Does Humanity weep at these painful separations from everything, animate and inanimate, with which the young heart has become entwined?Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2024
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The same themes animate Cusk’s nonfiction from this period.Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 28 June 2024
Adjective
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Like her older sisters, Hunter is passionate about cheer and tumbling.Nasha Smith, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
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The winery blends tradition with passionate winemaking.Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near mettlesome
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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