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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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.
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Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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Whether that’s stand in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it.—
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The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.—
Adjective
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Maduro’s predecessor, the fiery Hugo Chávez, elected in 1998, expanded social services, including housing and education, thanks to the country’s oil bonanza, which generated revenues estimated at some $981 billion between 1999 and 2011 as crude prices soared.—
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White cast-iron chairs are perfectly positioned on a terrace to catch Stromboli’s volcanic smoke-show, and occasional fiery belch, in the distance over a lazy cocktail.—
Adjective
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The show's only limit is its imagination, as fans have already seen Captain Pike and his crew delight in musical and animated episodes.—
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The sequel, which has the Ghostbusters facing off with the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian and his profoundly negative vibes, ends in a joyous celebration that brings the Big Apple together while an animated Statue of Liberty stomps to the rescue.—
Adjective
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In the past two decades, much of the often spirited discussion has centered on Michael Jordan and four-time league MVP LeBron James.—
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This season, Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, has captured hearts across the South with its blue-green tone that’s both familiar and comforting, striking a balance between calming and spirited.—
Adjective
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Chabada For a livelier scene, head to the main drag along Platja de l’Arenal to find Chabada.—
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The style throughout, irrespective of category, is lively without being hectic, a pleasing postmodern blend of contemporary, midcentury, and roughly Victorian elements.—
Adjective
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Ten weeks later, the short, spunky Canadian of Indian descent and mother of two walked into a conference room filled with owners of all 32 NFL teams — and did just that.—
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Henry remembers Heather's mom as spunky and funny.—
Adjective
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From lanterns several stories tall and hundreds of feet long to interactive exhibits that animate and breathe fire (in the form of smoke, Lewis clarifies), the festival evokes a deep sense of awe.—
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Political violence in the late summer and early fall, along with a government shutdown that began Oct. 1 also appeared to animate voters in the final days of the campaign.—
Adjective
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Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.—
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Most importantly of all, the goal of an actor is to share it, have people see it and have strong, passionate feelings about it — good and sometimes bad.—
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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