feisty

Full of energy and ready to face difficulties bravely.

• My grandmother is still feisty.
• The film features a feisty young heroine.
• Her feisty spirit helped her face every setback.

Similar words: spirited, spunky, plucky

Opposites: timid

Common phrases: feisty character, feisty young woman

Ready to fight or resist others, even when smaller or weaker than them.

• The little dog is feisty.
• Their feisty team refused to surrender against stronger opponents.
• A feisty defender blocked every attack.

Similar words: combative, scrappy, pugnacious

Opposites: meek

Common phrases: small but feisty, feisty opponent

Easily upset and quick to start an argument.

• He gets feisty when criticised.
• Her feisty attitude turned a small disagreement into an argument.
• The usually calm customer became feisty over a minor mistake.

Similar words: touchy, argumentative, irritable

Opposites: easygoing

Common phrases: feisty mood, feisty attitude