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Synonyms

high-spirited

American  
[hahy-spir-i-tid] / ˈhaɪˈspɪr ɪ tɪd /

adjective

  1. characterized by energetic enthusiasm, elation, vivacity, etc.

  2. boldly courageous; mettlesome.


high-spirited British  

adjective

  1. vivacious, bold, or lively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of high-spirited

First recorded in 1625–35

Vocabulary lists containing high-spirited

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Either way, the high-spirited jams are a throwback to a time when you still felt like clapping your hands, and maybe even saying “yeah. “

From Salon Jun. 28, 2025

The bird flees from her car’s trunk to a watermelon truck to the space behind an armoire, with adults and children, including the high-spirited young daughter, Linda, in hot pursuit.

From New York Times Feb. 29, 2024

Mr Hill said queues could be "high-spirited" and there was sometimes jostling but it was "nothing like a football crowd".

From BBC Jun. 19, 2023

The event was scriptless, to honor a compromise with striking writers, but chock full of high-spirited Broadway performances drawing raucous cheers from an audience clearly thrilled to be there at all.

From Seattle Times Jun. 12, 2023

Accustomed to their mother’s long workdays and their father’s extended absences, they missed Dorothy, but her departure didn’t interrupt their high-spirited lives replete with family, friends, and school.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

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