SPRIGHTLY Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'sprightly' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sprightly are animated , gay , lively , and vivacious . While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit. // a tuneful, sprightly musical

Q: When might 'animated' be a better fit than 'sprightly'?

In some situations, the words animated and sprightly are roughly equivalent. However, animated applies to what is spirited and active. // an animated discussion of current events

Q: When is it sensible to use 'gay' instead of 'sprightly'?

The meanings of gay and sprightly largely overlap; however, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits. // the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Q: Where would 'lively' be a reasonable alternative to 'sprightly'?

While the synonyms lively and sprightly are close in meaning, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy. // a lively debate on the issues

Q: When is 'vivacious' a more appropriate choice than 'sprightly'?

Although the words vivacious and sprightly have much in common, vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring. // a vivacious party host

sprightly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsprīt-lē

Definition of sprightly next

as in lively

having much high-spirited energy and movement a sprightly child who often claims to be too tired to move when it's time to do chores

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sprightly

2 of 2

adverb

as in playfully

in a quick and spirited manner every morning the elderly couple sprightly sets out on a walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sprightly contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sprightly are animated, gay, lively, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might animated be a better fit than sprightly?

In some situations, the words animated and sprightly are roughly equivalent. However, animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When is it sensible to use gay instead of sprightly?

The meanings of gay and sprightly largely overlap; however, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Where would lively be a reasonable alternative to sprightly?

While the synonyms lively and sprightly are close in meaning, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When is vivacious a more appropriate choice than sprightly?

Although the words vivacious and sprightly have much in common, 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 sprightly

Adjective

It’s filled with colorful side characters, like the sprightly Pinky, whose zest for life has not been tempered by her own past tragedies. —

Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 Eco does its best to up efficiency; Normal is set up to give sprightly performance without draining the battery; Sport gives sharper performance and turns the instruments red; and Snow is designed to keep the car in check when the white stuff falls. —

Alex Goy, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2023 Io was the most volcanic object circling the sun; Europa’s sprightly terrain suggested something akin to plate tectonics had resurfaced the moon’s frozen face and shuffled material from the surface to the depths. —

Nadia Drake, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2024 Driving The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS Between its sprightly power, low curb weight and inherently great chassis, this top-spec BRZ was an absolute hoot to drive. —

Peter Nelson, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sprightly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprightly

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