livelier; liveliest
1
3
: full of life, movement, or incident
lively streets at carnival time
5
: imparting spirit or vivacity : stimulating
many a peer of England brews livelier liquor than the Muse—
A. E. Housman
A. E. Housman6
: quick to rebound : resilient
a lively ball
7
: responding readily to the helm
a lively boat
8
obsolete
: living
Synonyms
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
Tonight: Show respect. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★ Discussions with partners, spouses and even members of the general public will be lively today.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2024
In the last year, Chea says she’s worked one or two events per month, with each gig involving two to three hours of shucking oysters for party guests and entertaining them with lively conversation.
—Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Campbell’s complete State of the Sides Report is full of Thanksgiving facts and figures that make for a lively discussion over turkey and gravy.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
Candice took the pinfall, which considering what happened with Indi, that’s wild.
Bayley and Naomi vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell Grade: B-
Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso Appear Live
Fans were far more lively for the OTC and Jimmy Uso.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lively 
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Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2024
In the last year, Chea says she’s worked one or two events per month, with each gig involving two to three hours of shucking oysters for party guests and entertaining them with lively conversation.
—Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Campbell’s complete State of the Sides Report is full of Thanksgiving facts and figures that make for a lively discussion over turkey and gravy.
—Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024
Candice took the pinfall, which considering what happened with Indi, that’s wild.
Bayley and Naomi vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell Grade: B-
Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso Appear Live
Fans were far more lively for the OTC and Jimmy Uso.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lively
Dictionary Entries Near lively
Cite this Entry
“Lively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lively. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lively
adjective
live·ly
ˈlīv-lē 
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
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