1
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
the town meeting featured a spirited debate about the proposed ban on skateboarding in the plaza downtown
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a team known for its spirited and in-your-face basketball
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of spirited
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025
Even so, the designer insisted on a few spirited features to keep the area from feeling like a white box, including a light celadon tile backsplash, teal range, and cerused oak island.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2025
Channelling la dolce vita, the sumptuous interiors feature crimson silk walls, intimate blue booths, Murano lighting and bespoke ceramic plates designed by Michaela Gall that pay homage to Soho’s spirited past.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Bill Maher Gets Fired Up Over Donald Trump On Podcast
By Ryan Smith
Senior Pop Culture & Entertainment Reporter
4
Bill Maher clashed with actor Jon Cryer as the two engaged in a spirited debate about transgender people during an episode of the comedian's podcast.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spirited 
Adjective
His early music was fueled by his difficult relationship with a factory worker father whose depression and fearfulness was exacerbated by being unable to figure out what his free spirited long-haired son with the guitar was headed for a dead end.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025
Even so, the designer insisted on a few spirited features to keep the area from feeling like a white box, including a light celadon tile backsplash, teal range, and cerused oak island.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2025
Channelling la dolce vita, the sumptuous interiors feature crimson silk walls, intimate blue booths, Murano lighting and bespoke ceramic plates designed by Michaela Gall that pay homage to Soho’s spirited past.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Bill Maher Gets Fired Up Over Donald Trump On Podcast
By Ryan Smith
Senior Pop Culture & Entertainment Reporter
4
Bill Maher clashed with actor Jon Cryer as the two engaged in a spirited debate about transgender people during an episode of the comedian's podcast.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
Adjective
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For the occasion, Queen Letizia leaned into a fiery red colorway, wearing a bold red pantsuit with coordinated trousers and double-breasted blazer.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
23 Jan. 2025
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In some ways, Ms. Meloni has provided a road map for hard-right leaders seeking to win and hold power in Europe: Talk a fiery game, but tack to the center on some issues — most notably support for Ukraine.—
Jim Tankersley,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Grover Grover is a lively and enthusiastic blue monster who loves exploring and going on new adventures.—
Casey Clark,
Parents,
16 Jan. 2025
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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
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Start taking a closer look at sports that might be considered new but have passionate competitors and advocates.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2025
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Leave it to my grandfather—and Southern Living editors—to have passionate opinions about this classic sweet.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The model of leaning on external policing, rather than paid fact-checking, takes a page from the policies adopted by X under the control of Elon Musk, who bought the platform formerly known as Twitter in 2022 and has since emerged as one of Trump’s most energetic — and influential — supporters.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
9 Jan. 2025
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The tone of the film also matched Aubrey so much as an artist, and her energetic match was so perfect to me.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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When he was captured, the suspect had a lighter in his pocket.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
31 Dec. 2024
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Images of the suspect were captured on officers' body cameras, as that person stayed on the scene after the incident, sitting on a nearby bench.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Kendrick also stars as Sheryl, a struggling LA actress who is persuaded to go on The Dating Game by friends, and her typically winsome, spunky performance—and able direction— lifts Woman of the Hour to the next level.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Dec. 2024
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Whereas, Izzy the Guinea Pig is more of a leap-before-you-look kind of character, with this punk rock sort of energy and really spunky.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The animated tennis is only as good as the tennis being played.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
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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
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The palate is lush and sweet, with brisk acidity to balance the sweetness.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
25 Jan. 2025
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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 spirited
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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