racy

adjective

ˈrā-sē How to pronounce racy (audio)
Definition of racynext
1
as in lively
having much high-spirited energy and movement vivid writing and a racy plot that keeps readers turning the pages

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
hinting at or intended to call to mind matters regarded as indecent a raunchy comedy with language that was a little too racy for an eight-year-old child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective racy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of racy are piquant, poignant, and pungent. While all these words mean "sharp and stimulating to the mind or the senses," racy implies having a strongly characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired.

spontaneous, racy prose

When might piquant be a better fit than racy?

While in some cases nearly identical to racy, piquant suggests a power to whet the appetite or interest through tartness or mild pungency.

a piquant sauce

In what contexts can poignant take the place of racy?

The synonyms poignant and racy are sometimes interchangeable, but poignant suggests something is sharply or piercingly effective in stirring one's emotions.

felt a poignant sense of loss

Where would pungent be a reasonable alternative to racy?

While the synonyms pungent and racy are close in meaning, pungent implies a sharp, stinging, or biting quality especially of odors.

a cheese with a pungent odor

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 racy According to a Variety report, the final installment of the racy teen melodrama was dogged by rewrites until the network announced the official delay earlier this week. — Zoe Guy, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025 Lauren Sanchez has sparked backlash on social media after unveiling a racy look at Donald Trump’s inauguration. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 20 Jan. 2025 Others wondered how anyone could be surprised at the racy segments considering the content of her songs. — Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025 At that time, exchanges that were shared on Instagram and WhatsApp seemed to suggest the designer was trying to coax racy pictures from the youth. — Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for racy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racy
  1. lively
  2. spicy
  3. animated
  4. suggestive
  5. energetic
  6. active
  7. animate
  8. brisk
Adjective
  • Stripes Everywhere Stripes are having a major design moment, proving that the lively pattern is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic.
    — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The High Kings and Mary Black Palmer Auditorium, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy., New London A full evening of Irish music with vocalist Mary Black, lively traditional Irish band The High Kings plus Róisín O is being presented by The Kate but held at Connecticut College’s Palmer Auditorium.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • Their Small Batch Bourbon has received accolades for its smooth yet spicy character.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The handful of flavor choices includes lemon and pistachio, which pair perfectly to cool off the spicy selections in your meal.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • 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
  • For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • The choreography and lyrics were notably suggestive, and were re-examined when allegations against Kelly came to light in 2019.
    — Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The latest: Photos and videos posted to Facebook, Reddit and other sites showed the Patriots Place sign displaying non-explicit cartoon images of anthropomorphic dogs, a cat and one very suggestive purple wolf on a rainbow background.
    — Mike Deehan, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of suggestive
Adjective
  • Impressions of the week: This was a fantastic week in Paris — energetic and full of strong debuts.
    — Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • Fall-sowing gives plants more time to establish before the heat of summer sets in and shuts down active growth.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The Algarve appeals to most prospective expats who enjoy a mild climate, abundant sunshine, beautiful coastlines, friendly communities, and active lifestyle.
    — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of active
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
  • Because of this, the BF tends to prefer a setting around ISO 400 and very brisk shutter speeds in bright conditions.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025
  • At a Brisk Walking Pace (4 mph) At a brisk walking pace of 4 miles per hour, 10,000 steps (5 miles) would take about 75 minutes, or 1.25 hours.
    — Emily Brown, MPH, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of brisk

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Cite this Entry

“Racy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racy. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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