Definitions

spirited

[spir-i-tid] / ˈspɪr ɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

lively, vivacious

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animated bold bright courageous energetic enthusiastic fearless fiery gutsy passionate peppy resolute spunky vigorous

STRONG

alert animate brave burning game jumping keen rocking sparkling

WEAK

active ardent audacious avid bouncy chirpy dauntless eager effervescent full of life gingery gritty high-spirited hot hyper intrepid mettlesome nervy peppery plucky sharp snappy sprightly zappy zealous zesty zingy zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

afraid apathetic cold cool cowardly dull fearful idle inactive indifferent lethargic light meek shy timid tired unenthusiastic unexcited weak

STRONG

cautious

WEAK

depressed dispirited lazy unhappy unlively

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.

This family did not survive, but a photo Ms. Gerson found revealed a spirited little boy who looked almost exactly like Ms. Inlender’s father.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“I was happy with the way we competed,” Cronin said when asked whether he learned anything about his players during a spirited Big Ten tournament run.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Rodriguez took power in January when her former boss, Nicolas Maduro, was captured by US forces and spirited to the United States to face trial.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

It set up a nervy night for Ireland when their post-England euphoria was quickly forgotten as they set about keeping a stubborn and spirited Wales side quiet.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

The community was highly spirited and resilient, despite the storm damage.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

Vocabulary lists containing spirited

This Week in Words: March 9 - 15, 2019

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The Red Pencil

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