active synonyms

active

modif.

  1. Engaged in or capable of action

    functioning, acting, working, moving, going, operative, in effect, in action, operating, in force, live, alive, dynamic, running, mobile, busy, bustling, rushing, astir, stirring, humming, in operation, current, actual, participating, engaged, practicing, effective, effectual, productive, powerful, efficacious, serviceable, impelling, ongoing, going on, existing, in process, in progress, progressive, in a state of action, activated, volatile, restless, in play, at work, up and about, up and around, at it*, on the go*, on the move*, hopping*, ticking*, going full blast*, in high gear*.

    Antonyms quiet, inactive, motionless*.

  2. Notable for activity

    energetic, lively, busy, eventful, brisk, dynamic, agile, quick, nimble, spry, rapid, dexterous, fresh, frisky, sprightly, alert, alive, ready, sharp, keen, wide-awake, animated, spirited, vital, full of life, enlivened, vibrant, kinetic, vigorous, strenuous, bustling, industrious, persevering, enthusiastic, ardent, unfaltering, purposeful, resolute, pushing, aggressive, forceful, intense, forcible, determined, unwearied, diligent, hard-working, assiduous, enterprising, activist, eager, zealous, dashing, bold, daring, high-spirited, overactive, hyperactive, hyper*, hectic*, frenetic*, frenzied, chipper*, snappy*, peppy*, zippy*, full of pep*, on the ball*, on one's toes*, with plenty of go*, rarin' to go*, up and coming*, on the job*, on the stick*, full of pizazz*, hot*, hyped up*, pumped up*, charged up*, turned on (to)*.

    Antonyms lazy*, lethargic*, sluggish.

active implies a state of motion, operation, etc. ranging from cases of normal functioning to instances of quickened activity he's still active at eighty; an active market; energetic suggests a concentrated exertion of energy or effort an energetic workout; vigorous implies forcefulness, robustness, and strength as an inherent quality a vigorous plant; strenuous is applied to things that make trying demands on one's strength or energy strenuous exercise; brisk implies liveliness and vigor of motion a brisk walk

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.