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
  • 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
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • More than just Flagg’s multidimensional skillset, Gatorade viewed Flagg’s fiery competitiveness as a good fit for the brand.
    — Jeff Fedotin, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Right main landing gear collapsed on impact in fiery Toronto plane crash: Preliminary report In total, 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks responded to the blaze in west London when the brigade was first called at 11:23 p.m. local time Thursday.
    — Jack Moore, ABC News, 21 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
  • With a spunky and spirited attitude, Abby approaches each performance with an infectious enthusiasm that elevates her role and inspires those around her.
    — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
  • From the annual parade to a spirited river cruise, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the Irish on the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day.
    — Kale Williams, Axios, 14 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
  • Despite some of the passionate opposition, the committee voted 6-2 in favor of the bill on Tuesday.
    — Heather Hunter, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of passionate

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mettle
mettlesome
mew
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Cite this Entry

“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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