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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vivacious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vivacious are animated, gay, lively, and sprightly. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

When is animated a more appropriate choice than vivacious?

Although the words animated and vivacious have much in common, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

Where would gay be a reasonable alternative to vivacious?

The words gay and vivacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is it sensible to use lively instead of vivacious?

While in some cases nearly identical to vivacious, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When could sprightly be used to replace vivacious?

The synonyms sprightly and vivacious are sometimes interchangeable, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

Example 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 vivacious Her outfits were downright aspirational: vivid reds, gorgeous greens and other vivacious tones and textures breathed life into Wise’s character. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 Dec. 2024 The win crystalizes a turnaround for the Buffaloes orchestrated by second-year head coach Deion Sanders, whose vivacious leadership style led CU to a 9-3 record. Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024 Her younger sister, Chantelle (Michele Austin), a hairdresser, is by contrast chatty and warm, with two vivacious daughters who don’t quite understand why their aunt is so sour. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024 Flintlock: Siege of Dawn is even more accessible: quippy and vivacious, pairing magic with a steampunk aesthetic and a series of arresting, earthy locales. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vivacious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • For such an energetic and vertical player, runs like that one should net him many more.
    George Caulkin, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • This fresh and energetic horror movie makes a notable new addition to Soderbergh's storied filmography.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Kelce’s offensive explosion elicited joyful reactions from his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift, who took in the game from a suite, alongside WNBA phenom - and lifelong Chiefs fan – Caitlin Clark.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The initial sight of Clark and Swift in a suite together after the pop star previously extended an invitation to Clark months ago provided a joyful dose of fan service for some.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From Ali’s perspective, this story is a quintessential Black ‘Dena story: eco-conscious, family orientated, spiritually vibrant, and lively — even in death.
    Keyaira Kelly, refinery29.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Grover Grover is a lively and enthusiastic blue monster who loves exploring and going on new adventures.
    Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Stephen consulted on projects over Zoom but Lauren leaned into the sabbatical, studying, painting exuberant landscapes, and pondering the future.
    Sara James Mnookin, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025
  • With his future in flux, the Miami crowd didn’t give the six-time All-Star an exuberant welcome when his name was announced during pregame introductions, which garnered a little smirk from Butler himself.
    Jacob Lev, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The animated tennis is only as good as the tennis being played.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Flying high Raspy voiced Pierce Brosnan presented the award along with the animated Mode, who strolled onto the stage and interacted with the actor, who had recently concluded his run portraying James Bond.
    Randee Dawn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The director wanted to write a role for Pearson that reflected the actor’s range and his effervescent charm.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025
  • There are a number of love stories here — Joe and Sugar figuring out if romance can conquer deception, Joe and Jerry testing their lifelong bond in the face of major personal change, and Daphne rebuffing and then reconsidering the effervescent millionaire Osgood (Edward Juvier).
    Chad Jones, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • How many of these clubs are currently active in San Diego County?
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Despite having no active role in running the company, Wilson is still Lululemon’s largest individual shareholder – and occasionally a thorn in its side. .
    Jemima McEvoy, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The difference is subtle, but the fine filter creates milk that's a bit bubblier than the ultrafine filter.
    Jaina Grey, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025
  • But concerts also start feeling poppier and bubblier in springtime, perhaps in anticipation of the even warmer, wilder and grander music events of festival-frenzied summertime.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Mar. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near vivacious

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

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