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.

Our critic said “the play surfs along on waves of lively, crisp dialogue.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

The lively track - created alongside Vegedream and Sanjoy - features a mix of Moroccan Darija, Arabic, French and English.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

While sportsbooks hope for a lively tournament that keeps bettors engaged, they don’t want things to get too wild, like the last World Cup final.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

O’Bryant’s edit is lively and sparkling, bringing a certain element of humor while also demonstrating in montages the desperation that leads Niki down this path.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

There’s a lively conversation going on between Andrew, Michael, and Caroline, but by the time Dana and I sit down, it’s all petered out and the three are staring at me.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

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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