spirited 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspir-ə-təd How to pronounce spirited (audio)
Definition of spiritednext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spirited

2 of 2

verb

past tense of spirit
as in snatched

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spirited
Adjective
This is what brings us around to Miami Dolphins right guard Jonah Savaiinaea, who had spirited battles with veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler in Monday’s practice. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Nonalcoholic drinks are given as much care as the spirited cocktails; try the lemon-lavender-ginger Root Chakra for a sophisticated alternative. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026 Many of those exchanges turned into spirited debate — and, at several points, unexpected common ground that seemed to surprise both men. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026 That should make for spirited riding atop this 509-lb (231-kg) tourer. — New Atlas, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirited
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirited
  1. fiery
  2. lively
  3. snatched
  4. passionate
  5. energetic
  6. captured
  7. spunky
  8. animated
Adjective
  • One person was killed in a fiery three-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck on Wednesday in far northwest suburban Genoa Township.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Embattled Central Florida Congressman Cory Mills faced off in a fiery primary debate with three fellow Republicans Wednesday evening, in which the political issues were largely overshadowed by his many controversies.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • Add a striking focal point by nestling a statue fountain between groups of colorful flowers or lively foliage.
    — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The smaller footprint here makes the car much livelier, and the acceleration feels never-ending.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of lively
Verb
  • The toddler son of national hero Charles Lindbergh was snatched from his bed in his parents’ home in the middle of the night.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Questions about his age and passing ability may have led teams to skip King during the draft in April, but the Panthers snatched him up in free agency immediately afterward.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of snatched
Adjective
  • Klein, a Silicon Valley software engineering manager, was a passionate collector until his hobby overwhelmed his home and family life.
    — Terry Chea, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Early signs suggest professional softball can indeed convert passionate fans into a lasting enterprise.
    — Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of passionate
Adjective
  • The energetic gameplay and short rounds make Dutch Blitz easy to play with your family over and over again, without getting bored.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Maurice’s brother Verdine joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1970, contributing to its distinctive sound with his energetic performances and innovative bass lines.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of energetic
Verb
  • Body cameras captured the moments Rialto police officers rushed to save a choking 3-year-old child last week.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Some diligently blur out the faces of guests who are in the vicinity and captured on camera.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of captured
Adjective
  • The group consists of levelheaded leader Blossom, sweet-natured Bubbles, and spunky Buttercup.
    — Oliver Gettell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • As for her birth story, Lockwood says her smart and spunky 5-year-old daughter knows it all.
    — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of spunky
Adjective
  • Bautista has several other movies coming up, Alpha Gang, which premieres at the Toronto Film Festival; the animated Ally; and Highlander.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of animated

Browse Nearby Words

spirit (away or off)
spirited
spirited (away or off)
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Cite this Entry

“Spirited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirited. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spirited for Spanish Speakers

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