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.

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

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Initially the mood was lively with green flares let off and fans drinking but by early evening it had turned uglier.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

"First, that we did not know everything. Second, that knowledge was evolving... and that there were very lively debates among scientists on aspects that sometimes surprised the public," Flahault said.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

The strict architectural elements and bright colors amplify the sense of lively commotion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

“Step lively now,” said the security detail behind me.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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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