lively

adjective

live·​ly ˈlīv-lē How to pronounce lively (audio)
livelier; liveliest
Synonyms of lively
1
: briskly alert and energetic : vigorous, animated
a lively discussion
lively children racing for home
2
: active, intense
takes a lively interest in politics
3
: full of life, movement, or incident
lively streets at carnival time
4
: brilliant, fresh
a lively wit
5
: imparting spirit or vivacity : stimulating entry 1
… many a peer of England brews / Livelier liquor than the Muse …—A. E. Housman
6
: quick to rebound : resilient
a lively ball
7
: responding readily to the helm
a lively boat
8
obsolete : living
livelily
ˈlīv-lə-lē How to pronounce lively (audio)
adverb
liveliness
ˈlīv-lē-nəs How to pronounce lively (audio)
noun
lively adverb

Synonyms of lively

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lively, animated, vivacious, sprightly, gay mean keenly alive and spirited.

lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Examples of lively in a Sentence

a very lively writing style The book is lively and well written. They had a lively debate. A lively atmosphere keeps people coming back to the café.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, the focus is on creating a fun, lively atmosphere that encourages camaraderie. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 Ibrahim Nuhu, a banker who was transferred from the more cosmopolitan Plateau state to Sokoto, has seen the city evolve in recent years from a drab scene to a lively experience on weekends. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 For businesses along Broadway, supporters say the zones could help create a more lively atmosphere and bring more customers to the area. — James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Keeping Beethoven lively will be her mission as Bonn and the world mark the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death in 2027. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lively

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English līflīc, from līf life

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 8

Time Traveler
The first known use of lively was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing lively

Rhymes for lively

See All Rhymes for lively

Browse Nearby Words

livelong
lively
lively imagination
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Cite this Entry

“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lively. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lively

adjective
live·​ly ˈlīv-lē How to pronounce lively (audio)
livelier; liveliest
1
: full of life : active
a lively puppy
2
: keen entry 1 sense 3
a lively interest
3
: full of spirit or feeling
a lively debate
4
: showing activity or spirit
a lively manner
liveliness noun
lively adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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