as in playfully
in a quick and spirited manner
now then, step lively there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lively
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
His disdain for Christmas is no match for visits from enchanting ghosts, a lively ensemble of characters, and the music of the season.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
While history is definitely a hallmark of this quaint riverfront community, it is also known for gorgeous state parks and outdoor attractions, a lively arts and culture scene, and excellent local downtown shopping.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lively
Adverb
The neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto stay lively late into the night with fado music, good wine, and shared plates.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
His disdain for Christmas is no match for visits from enchanting ghosts, a lively ensemble of characters, and the music of the season.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Those lively performances have now turned into something the whole family anticipates.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
While history is definitely a hallmark of this quaint riverfront community, it is also known for gorgeous state parks and outdoor attractions, a lively arts and culture scene, and excellent local downtown shopping.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lively
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lively
Adverb
-
Doncic playfully slapped Maxi Kleber on the back of the head when Kleber was shooting during a Game 4 timeout.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Penguins darted beneath us, marine iguanas grazed on algae, and sea lions twirled playfully in the water.—
David Morris,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the hours before the dinner, the blocks surrounding the Hilton were already jammed with cars, onlookers, and energetic protesters.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The build from the back at all costs, but with relatively no clear shape, and a huge risk / reward dynamic is not what a youthful energetic team should be doing.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After some 53 years, Antigone remains a no-frills stronghold where community organizers trade flyers near the entrance, and the inventory captures the perspectives of life in a vibrant border city.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
With the collection intertwined with the world of racing since its debut in 1986, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch has become a symbol of performance while simultaneously showcasing its distinct design, vibrant hues and innovative technology.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The company is taking advantage of California’s recent changes to the tax incentive program expanding the eligible categories of production to include animated movies.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Wichí people inhabit an animated world.—
María Carri,
Artforum,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lucas Giolito had a busy first full day in the Padres organization.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
As always, our NASCAR experts, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, took time out of their busy schedules to answer all our Talladega questions.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Halle Bailey is winsome and sprightly as Anna, a once-aspiring chef now reduced to working as a house sitter for wealthy clients in New York.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Its cast is exactly the sprightly ensemble needed to land its what-if laughs.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That award, unlike most others, is selected solely by active players.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Studies have shown that semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) leads to about a 40 percent reduction in the inflammation blood marker C-reactive protein—independent of weight loss.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
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Located near Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, these elegant accommodations are in the neighborhood's buzzing fashion district.—
Ellie Nan Storck,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lively. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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