1
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
the town meeting featured a spirited debate about the proposed ban on skateboarding in the plaza downtown
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a team known for its spirited and in-your-face basketball
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of spirited
Tom Williams, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Twelve minutes before tipoff, Gottlieb finishes his spirited pregame speech by declaring the Phoenix to be the hungriest team in America, then walks into a spartan coaches’ locker room.
—Brian Hamilton, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
The spirited schnauzer bested six other finalists to become the first of his breed tapped as Westminster’s best in show, the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Pretty Woman This Cinderella-esque story starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere tells the tale of an unexpected romance between a businessman and a spirited escort.
—Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Adjective
The competition’s ultimate underdog story belongs to Calais and the team of talented and spirited fourth-tier part-timers who enchanted the whole of France by battling their way to the final in 2000.
—Tom Williams, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Twelve minutes before tipoff, Gottlieb finishes his spirited pregame speech by declaring the Phoenix to be the hungriest team in America, then walks into a spartan coaches’ locker room.
—Brian Hamilton, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
The spirited schnauzer bested six other finalists to become the first of his breed tapped as Westminster’s best in show, the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Pretty Woman This Cinderella-esque story starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere tells the tale of an unexpected romance between a businessman and a spirited escort.
—Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
Adjective
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And a Delta plane flipped upside down in a fiery crash landing at a Toronto airport, injuring 21 people.—
Melissa Chan,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
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The relationship between the show’s actual composers and the admirer-pirates has been fiery at times.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Stripes Everywhere Stripes are having a major design moment, proving that the lively pattern is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2025
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The High Kings and Mary Black Palmer Auditorium, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy., New London A full evening of Irish music with vocalist Mary Black, lively traditional Irish band The High Kings plus Róisín O is being presented by The Kate but held at Connecticut College’s Palmer Auditorium.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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And Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos, who has built a passionate following of serious collectors with her Mahnaz Collection of rare jewelry, is now bringing vintage watches into the mix.—
Julie Belcove,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2025
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Dr Margie Warrell is a leadership coach, author and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping women lead boldly.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For the first track, she was backed by an energetic male dance troupe; the second performance was more subdued.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2025
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Amaury is a bright, happy, and energetic boy in search of a family.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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When he was captured, the suspect had a lighter in his pocket.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
31 Dec. 2024
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Images of the suspect were captured on officers' body cameras, as that person stayed on the scene after the incident, sitting on a nearby bench.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Magic fans, players, coaches and management believed Breakout Season had ushered in a new era for the franchise — one where the team was no longer just a spunky upstart but a legitimate playoff contender.—
Mike Bianchi,
Orlando Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2025
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Young, spunky red fruit aromas—some raspberries and red plums with licorice, caramel and some soy.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Oscar nominee walked the runway with dramatic, out-to-there lashes that would feel right at home on an animated heroine or villain.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
21 Feb. 2025
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For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The soccer-specific venue does brisk business with concerts and other non-sports events.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2025
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Flirting With Disaster is a brisk read, keeping readers turning the pages to find out who Meena will choose.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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