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
Example Sentences
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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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Host Jennifer Lopez opened the show with an energetic dance number to a medley that included a mashup of songs by Beyoncé, Eilish, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and more.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
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Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Ethan just held onto a plane in mid-air, beat the bad guy, and defeated a god-like artificial intelligence averting the fiery nuclear death of all humanity.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
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Adding a salt rim elevates your glass, but for a spicy kick, use Halo Del Santo, a cocktail garnish made with salt, fiery chiles and a touch of citrus.—
Jeanette Hurt,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The newcomer enrolled in tap classes, and trained fastidiously with associate choreographer Rachelle Rak, figuring out how an animated siren might walk and stand.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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This is her opportunity to step up into a more prominent role, and the quiet ONO is disappearing in favor of this, more animated and aggressive version.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Whether American retirees have enough savings and benefits to live comfortably in retirement is, however, a matter of spirited debate.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Following a series of spirited performances in the finale, the votes were counted, and Fradiani was declared the winner.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Insects, much like their human counterparts, are more lively in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
20 May 2025
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The conversation was lively and funny, with the actress discussing her defining role in 1976’s Carrie and nearly missing out on Lynne Ramsay’s current Cannes title, Die, My Love.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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Over the course of their relationship, Geoff had grown close to another of her patients, a spunky boy who eventually died of epidermolysis bullosa, also known as butterfly-skin syndrome, in his 20s.—
Sarah Zhang,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2025
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In last week’s installment (read a recap here), opportunity seemed ripe for an epic Joe blindside led by spunky final Vula member Mary.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Such seemingly minor biographical details are what animate L’Enchanteur, which was born in 2012 after Soull and Dynasty merged their independent labels—Alkhemi9 and BRZÉ, respectively.—
Thessaly La Force,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2025
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Users do have creative freedom — freedom to learn to draw, animate, write, score, or direct their own projects.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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It’s been possible, but hard to find Fettercairn from independent bottlers in the United States, and those who seek it out are passionate about it, Boice said.—
Gina Pace,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Gabriella is a cousin of King Charles through her father Prince Michael's side of the family and a passionate musician who played an advisory role around the musical performances for Kate's Together at Christmas carol service in December at Westminster Abbey.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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