mettlesome
Full of vigor
Mettlesome describes someone spirited, courageous, and full of determination—someone with mettle.
The word applies especially to horses and people who show fire and boldness: a mettlesome stallion, her mettlesome defense of unpopular ideas.
It carries an old-fashioned, literary flavor, suggesting admiration for vigorous spirit rather than recklessness.
Showing courage despite fear
- valiantCourageously determined
- fearlessLacking any apprehension
- intrepidResolutely without fear
- dauntlessUnable to intimidate
gallant · heroic · audacious · daring · plucky · lionhearted · valorous · undaunted
Courageous and lively
- scrappyAggressively spirited despite odds
- pugnaciousInclined to quarrel
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- defiantOpenly resisting control
fierce · truculent · contentious · quarrelsome · hot-tempered · belligerent · chippy · irascible
Continuing despite difficulty
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- doggedStubbornly persevering
unyielding · indomitable · unwavering · relentless · persevering · indefatigable · unrelenting · unflagging
brave
Showing courage despite fear
dauntless · gallant · heroic · audacious · daring · plucky · lionhearted · valorous · undaunted · stouthearted
spunky
Courageous and lively
- scrappyAggressively spirited despite odds
- pugnaciousInclined to quarrel
- combativeInclined toward conflict
defiant · fierce · truculent · contentious · quarrelsome · hot-tempered · belligerent · chippy · irascible · cantankerous
persistent
Continuing despite difficulty
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
dogged · unyielding · indomitable · unwavering · relentless · persevering · indefatigable · unrelenting · unflagging · stubborn
lively
Animated and energetic
- vivaciousAttractively energetic and enthusiastic
- animatedFull of life, or drawn moving
- sprightlyEnergetic and nimble
exuberant · effervescent · buoyant · peppy · zestful · jaunty · perky · sparkling · bubbly · frisky
energetic
Having much vigor
hale · hearty · lusty · dynamic · red-blooded · able-bodied · fit · strong · powerful · forceful
- tough traitstough, resilient, fearless, brave, courageous
- upbeatcheerful, lighthearted, peppy, lively, animated
metal, medal, mettle, meddle, metallic, meddlesome, metallurgy