Definitions

lively

[lahyv-lee] / ˈlaɪv li /

ADJECTIVE

energetic, active, busy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animated bright buoyant bustling cheerful enjoyable entertaining festive frisky nimble peppy provocative refreshing spirited stimulating vigorous

WEAK

agile alert animate astir blithe blithesome bouncy brisk buzzing chipper chirpy complex dashing driving effervescent enterprising frolicsome full of pep gay go-go happy hyper industrious involved jocund jumping keen merry perky pert quick rousing snappy sparkling sprightly spry stirring vivacious zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic depressed down dull gloomy heavy inactive lethargic sad somber unhappy unpleasant

WEAK

dispirited lifeless sleepy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prosecutor Lyndon Harris told the court that the "admission to the conduct alleged against her" amounts to an offence, and that Rein Lively had agreed to pay £910 in compensation.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Melissa Rein Lively was reported by the woman over the incident at Bond Street station on the evening of 11 October.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Appeared in the May 8, 2026, print edition as 'Remembering a Keen and Lively Critic'.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The settlement that was announced Monday between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni looked like the end of one of Hollywood’s messiest recent legal fights.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

They could see the Captain, British flagship, stationed between Long and Hancock’s Wharf, and over by Governor’s Island, the Lively, and beyond, the Mercury, the Magdalen, the Tartar.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Vocabulary lists containing lively

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!