animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

Examples 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 animated
Adjective
Unlike the Oscars, however, the ADG Awards are split between contemporary, animated, period, and fantasy films. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025 At the other end of the spectrum, Latvia and Thailand both made history with the former’s animated fantasy Flow and the latter’s How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, a tear-jerking comedy-drama that has been a box office sensation. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
Watch the 2020 animated short to find out! Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024 It's beautifully animated with a soundtrack that fits the tone really well. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for animated 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • Your business should excite your customers, frustrate your competitors and animate and motivate your people.
    Jeffrey Russell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Photo : Paul Barnaby Robert Longo photographs animate the entry foyer.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Grover Grover is a lively and enthusiastic blue monster who loves exploring and going on new adventures.
    Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • So far, the restaurants have been busy, Tanha said, adding that the brand’s hope is to lure locals as well as tourists.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
  • What is the key to successfully managing you busy daily schedule?
    Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025
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
  • Art is also at the center of the hotel, with a thriving art program spanning across the property’s vibrant lobby, and beyond.
    Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Here, the curtains seamlessly blend with the existing color scheme, creating a cohesive look while subtly drawing the eye to other vibrant pops of color throughout the space.
    Macie Stump, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • How many of these clubs are currently active in San Diego County?
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Highland is a relic of several bygone eras: one in which burial grounds were segregated by race, but also one where cemeteries played a more active role in community and religious life.
    Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Other photographers across the city, known for its thriving creative community, are lending their skills in similar ways.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Over the years, the school has grown from a small institution into a thriving educational complex serving almost 1,000 students in grades 6-12.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The palate is lush and sweet, with brisk acidity to balance the sweetness.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Combined with brisk winds, extreme cold can produce life-threatening wind chill values, putting people at risk of frostbite and hypothermia within minutes of exposure.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near animated

Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animated

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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