mettlesome

adjective

ˈme-tᵊl-səm How to pronounce mettlesome (audio)
Definition of mettlesomenext
1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
  1. energetic
  2. fiery
  3. animated
  4. spirited
  5. lively
  6. spunky
  7. animate
  8. passionate
Adjective
  • MoMA’s 2024 book Inventing the Modern celebrates the museum’s female founders—Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan—and the energetic idealism required to get these efforts off the ground in an often hostile culture.
    — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Impressions of the week: This was a fantastic week in Paris — energetic and full of strong debuts.
    — Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • For that red-hot setup, Selfridges placed a fiery red Jil Sander coat, straight from the brand’s spring 2025 runway, front and center.
    — Violet Goldstone, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The luxurious red hair and fiery green eyes of Maureen O’Hara were picture perfect for a three-strip closeup.
    — Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • Looking ahead, Netflix plans to continue integrating major studio films into its library, last October expanding its NBCUniversal deal for animated features and adding U.S. rights to live-action titles from both Universal Pictures and Focus Features.
    — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This means that the growing international voting bloc is an Oscar force to be reckoned with for animated feature.
    — Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • Manager Aaron Boone engaged in a spirited conversation with Schallock about batting practice and fielding drills.
    — Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) While not as much of the countercultural anger of Ken Kesey’s novel made it into the screen adaptation, as a basic story of the good guys banding together to beat the bad guy, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is still rousing, spirited entertainment.
    — Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of spirited
Adjective
  • 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
  • Located in the lively South Lamar enclave, Zilker Studios also showcases its designer’s flair for space efficiency.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • However, Irene could use the company and her rapport with the spunky Mia warms up a film that’s cool by design.
    — Stephen Saito, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Over the course of just under a decade, the Youngbloods transformed from a tough, spunky New York City bar band (heard on their 1967 debut, The Youngbloods) to mellow, stoner-friendly Marin County Americana predecessors (heard on later albums like Good and Dusty).
    — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of spunky
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
Definition of animate
Adjective
  • Beyond his impressive accomplishments on the field, Jake brings a passionate, competitive spirit and leadership qualities that align perfectly with our organizational values.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Embrace the passionate bike culture and explore the city on two wheels (the bike lanes are plentiful and safe).
    — Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of passionate

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Cite this Entry

“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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