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.

Tomlinson also hyped the crowd with lively renditions of his solo hits Imposter, Lemonade and Sunflowers.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

At the time, it was swimming in a lively group of nine adult whales.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

These are paired with the organic wooden sculptures of Claudia Comte, the curvaceous surfaces of which echo the lively plants of Matisse’s cut-outs, and touching bronzes by Geles Cabrera.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

He plays second base for the lively Savannah Bananas, so dancing is already part of his job description.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

To Jo’s lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Vocabulary lists containing lively

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

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List 2

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

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