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
Of the label’s natural perfumes, Free 00 is arguably the most lively, smelling fresh, soothing, and citrus-forward through notes of Sicilian lemon, mandarin, and orange flower opposite Egyptian jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, and waterlily.
—Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
There will be lively music, gifts for kids, and hot latkes.
—Miriam Porter, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Enjoy a night of lively Latin music, domino tables and the signature BACARDÍ x BIGFACE Café Con Ocho cocktail, a Miami twist on the classic Espresso Martini, at Byblos.
—Sommer Brugal, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024
Where to après, eat, and drink: On the third floor of Giant Steps Lodge, head to the classic and lively Last Chair Saloon.
—Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lively 
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Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
There will be lively music, gifts for kids, and hot latkes.
—Miriam Porter, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Enjoy a night of lively Latin music, domino tables and the signature BACARDÍ x BIGFACE Café Con Ocho cocktail, a Miami twist on the classic Espresso Martini, at Byblos.
—Sommer Brugal, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024
Where to après, eat, and drink: On the third floor of Giant Steps Lodge, head to the classic and lively Last Chair Saloon.
—Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 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 1 Dec. 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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