alive
20 synonyms and 1 antonyms for alive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Living; not dead.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use alive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English on līfe, literally "in life" — the same phrase that gives us the shortened word "life" fused into one.
Full origin of alive →Frequently asked questions
What does “alive” mean?
The word “alive” means living; not dead. In plain terms, not dead — or, more broadly, still active, energetic, or switched on to something.
How do you pronounce “alive”?
“Alive” is pronounced uh-LYV (/əˈlaɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “alive” in a sentence?
Here is “alive” used in a sentence: “The doctors managed to keep him alive through the night.”
What is another word for “alive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “alive” include extant, vital, peppy, zestful, above ground and alive and well.
What is the opposite of “alive”?
The opposite of “alive” — its antonyms — is dead.
What part of speech is “alive”?
“Alive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “alive” come from?
The word “alive” comes from Old English. From Old English on līfe, literally "in life" — the same phrase that gives us the shortened word "life" fused into one.
Is “alive” a common word?
“Alive” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between alive and living?
The two overlap, but grammar sets them apart. Alive usually comes after a verb — the patient is alive, kept alive. Living can sit before a noun — a living creature, living things. Living can also describe something ongoing or in use, like a living language, where 'alive' would sound odd.
Can 'alive' mean more than just 'not dead'?
Yes. Beyond the literal sense, alive often means full of energy or feeling — a party comes alive, a face is alive with excitement, a street is alive with people. It can also mean still active or existing, as in keeping a tradition, hope, or memory alive.
What is the opposite of alive?
The direct opposite is dead. Related antonyms include lifeless, deceased, and, for things never living, inanimate. In the figurative sense of lively or energetic, opposites such as dull, lifeless, or flat apply — a room that feels dead rather than alive.