Definition of vivaciousnext
1
2

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 Perimenopausal women are not ill and can live perfectly full and vivacious lives while hormones do their daily dance in the background. Patricia Bencivenga, STAT, 26 Mar. 2026 Stevie Nicks, Neil Diamond and Billy Joel were on frequent rotation at this 4-year-old restaurant and vivacious dueling-piano lounge named after chef-founder Mickey Josephs. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026 With his son out of work, Gregor’s father, previously inert, gets a job and becomes strangely vivacious. Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 My mother, Trish said, was tiny, dark-eyed, and vivacious, always flying out the door on her way to somewhere—her literary club, gardening, volunteering. Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vivacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
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
  • In that derelict playground, Lucy reminisces about her hippie youth, then spins in joyful abandon on a rusty carrousel.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Spring clearly has Reese Witherspoon in a joyful mood.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This lively street—lined with elegant colonial homes and cozy cafes and restaurants—culminates at the iconic Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, known for its nightly video-mapping shows projected in Spanish and in English.
    Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The suit included some versions of Indiana’s trademark work, LOVE, which depicts the word love in lively serif characters, the LO situated atop the VE, with the O placed at an angle.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • YoshimiO, sharing fellow ’90s icon Flea’s recent interest in the instrument, turns in a credible trumpet line during the track’s shuffling, exuberant second half.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The 2019 Kennedy Center honoree, a protege of the late Leonard Bernstein, was a gifted pianist known for his exuberant compositions and ability to break down musical genres, and in particular, his dynamic interpretations of Gustav Mahler.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 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
  • The Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale, on the other hand, is deliciously bitter with tiny, effervescent bubbles that never overwhelm your palate.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Just smile, be more bubbly and effervescent.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 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
  • Offering festive sparkles courtesy of club soda and bubbly wine plus a dose of spa vibes via floral Lillet Blanc, fresh basil or mint, and slices of cucumber and citrus, this low-ABV cocktail recipe is as invigorating as a spring morning.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Some are high in caffeine or contain sugar, like at Starbucks or Dunkin’; but others are caffeine-free, like Panera’s new additions; while Sonic’s are either bubbly or flat.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster