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.

The notoriously private collector is lively and disarmingly funny.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

If you prefer something younger and more relaxed, L’Osteria has a very lively atmosphere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Scrum-half Lucy Packer, who played second fiddle to Hunt during the World Cup, looked lively throughout, while 22-year-old lock Lilli Ives Campion also stepped up in the line-out.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In the usually lively alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, silence reigned on Easter Sunday, the holiday overshadowed by the war.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

“The grizzly bear. She thought it would set a lively tone.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

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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