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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

  • high-spiritedly adjective
  • high-spiritedness noun

Etymology

Origin of high-spirited

First recorded in 1625–35

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.

Inside the Hollywood Palladium, the group — fresh-faced, high-spirited and dressed in their color-coordinated stagewear — held their final dress rehearsal last month.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

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

Her mother relished Bonmati's disregard for gender norms, while her father would fashion a ball from aluminium foil and take on his young daughter in high-spirited games in the kitchen.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 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

The Ashidas were a part of the Holcomb community everyone appreciated—a family likably high-spirited, yet hard-working and neighborly and generous, though they didn’t have much to be generous with.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote