animated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of animate

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective animated contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of animated are gay, lively, sprightly, and vivacious. While all these words mean "keenly alive and spirited," animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

When can gay be used instead of animated?

While in some cases nearly identical to animated, gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

When is lively a more appropriate choice than animated?

Although the words lively and animated have much in common, lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

When would sprightly be a good substitute for animated?

The words sprightly and animated can be used in similar contexts, but sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

When might vivacious be a better fit than animated?

The synonyms vivacious and animated are sometimes interchangeable, but vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

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 animated
Adjective
After an animated discussion, the commission voted unanimously to authorize Kennedy to file the brief. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025 Unlike many children’s TV shows, the animated CoComelon doesn’t feature celebrity cameos—but CoComelon Classroom does. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
Watch the 2020 animated short to find out! Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024 It's beautifully animated with a soundtrack that fits the tone really well. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for animated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animated
Adjective
  • Your business should excite your customers, frustrate your competitors and animate and motivate your people.
    Jeffrey Russell, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Photo : Paul Barnaby Robert Longo photographs animate the entry foyer.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Located in the lively South Lamar enclave, Zilker Studios also showcases its designer’s flair for space efficiency.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The popularity of this area is booming, with creatives and entrepreneurs enjoying the proximity to both nature and a lively community.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Half of the shark detections occurred during the day, a time when beaches are typically busy with human activity.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Life in Wheeling, which has on two separate occasions been the capital of West Virginia, was once quite busy.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Chamberlin oversaw the spiritual and energetic cleansing of each fragrance during a final ceremonial step.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • According to the team, this behavior is comparable to birds that appear to deliberately use favorable thermal uplifts to reduce the energetic costs of flying.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For a vibrant accent, opt for one covered in lemons or a neutral-toned pineapple print — both of which are also on sale.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • That includes the vibrant red, pink and purple waterlilies that draw visitors from around the world, especially from August to November when the flowers are most abundant.
    Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For companies in sectors where private equity firms are active, that means even stiffer competition.
    Sarah Elk, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Brock Nelson, Colorado Avalanche The Avalanche have been one of the most active teams on the trade market throughout the season, but adding Nelson was one of the most pivotal parts of their deadline dealings.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Its thriving cultural scene, buzzing nightlife, and beautiful beaches draw millions of tourists every year.
    Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The Wynwood Walls—an outdoor museum showcasing vibrant street art—is free to visit and offers an immersive look into Miami’s thriving creative scene.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For new mothers without medical complications, the experts recommend a combination of activities such as brisk walking, cycling and muscle-strengthening exercises for at least 120 minutes per week—ideally spread over four or more days.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
  • To achieve their signature white color and brisk flavor, the stalks of Asparagus officinalis require a signature treatment: a growing season without a hint of sunshine.
    Yolanda Evans, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animated. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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