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

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 vivacious Silverman, an elderly and vivacious former Radio City ballerina, lived alone after the death of her banker husband. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 Once Venus joins Mercury in Leo on July 11, your fifth house of romance and passion projects will be further energized, contributing to your vivacious charisma. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024 The restaurant’s founder, a vivacious sexagenarian named Janez Bratovž, is arguably Slovenia’s most storied chef, and his establishment is widely considered the country’s oldest fine-dining destination. Ellen Ruppel Shell, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024 With the sun entering Scorpio and your vivacious fifth house of love, creativity and self-expression, the cosmos encourages you to explore your passions and heart’s desires. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vivacious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivacious
Adjective
  • Claire heads to the market for some essentials for the party and literally runs into an energetic Frenchman.
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Ellie’s energetic moves and sassy attitude reflects her the spirt of her hometown.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Toy trends:For some toy sellers, packing shelves with nostalgia pays off A 'joyful, sweet' job Alphie the robot.
    Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!
    Elpida Kokkota, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some areas, such as L.A.’s Fashion District, remain lively, but the inescapable realities of homelessness, mental illness and drug use keep many visitors and businesses away.
    Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
  • According to Wolman, there's a lively debate about which Scottsdale location is better.
    Reia Li, The Arizona Republic, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The legendary actress's exuberant, almost terroristically heartbreaking performance as the titular character in King Vidor's 1937 melodrama earned her the first of four Academy Award nominations over her seven-decade career.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Nala, on the other hand, takes a more exuberant approach, enthusiastically launching a pink toy around the room.
    Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This festive attraction features over 6 million dazzling lights and animated displays along a mile-long route.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • But playing José, says Bardem, was not nearly as terrifying, or as traumatic, as the prospect of performing in an animated musical with Spellbound.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The fruity opening feels light and airy rather than heavy or syrupy (like a milkshake), creating an effervescent sweetness that draws you in.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Feel the atmosphere exuding from the eclectic collection of characters gathered, from tourists to local drunks, all lorded over by the effervescent Jimenez.
    Longreads, Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Answering or returning these calls may signal to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more scam calls in the future.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Snyder is an active member of the Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) and is the professional adviser for Penn State’s student chapter.
    Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But concerts also start feeling poppier and bubblier in springtime, perhaps in anticipation of the even warmer, wilder and grander music events of festival-frenzied summertime.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Mar. 2024
  • Nothing sounds better than having a fresh pizza straight out of the oven, with its bubbly cheese and thin, charred crust.
    Scott Gilbertson Gear Team, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2022

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near vivacious

Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivacious. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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