Another Word for Life: 19 Synonyms with Examples
Life means being alive, the time someone is alive, a way of living, or energy and liveliness. Swap it to say which you mean.
As a noun: the state of being alive
- existence
- being
- survival
- living
As a noun: the time someone is alive
As a noun: a way of living
- lifestyle
- way of life
- existence
- routine
As a noun: energy and liveliness
- energy
- vitality
- liveliness
- spirit
- vigour
- zest
- sparkle
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- existence
- Being alive or real; often used for a hard or dull life.
- lifetime
- The whole length of someone's life.
- lifespan
- How long a person, animal or object usually lasts.
- lifestyle
- The way someone chooses to live, including habits and spending.
- vitality
- Strength and energy, in people or places.
- zest
- Great enthusiasm and enjoyment.
Example sentences
- existence: The family lived a hand-to-mouth existence.
- lifetime: It was the trip of a lifetime.
- lifespan: The average lifespan of a fridge is about twelve years.
- lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise.
- vitality: The new market has brought vitality back to the high street.
- zest: At ninety, she still has a great zest for life.
Opposite of life
- death
- dullness
- lifelessness
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “life”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: animation
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “life”?
The most useful alternatives are “existence”, “being”, “survival”, “living”, “lifetime”. For the main sense (the state of being alive), “existence” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “existence” and “lifetime”?
existence: Being alive or real; often used for a hard or dull life. lifetime: The whole length of someone's life.
What is the opposite of “life”?
Common antonyms are “death”, “dullness”, “lifelessness”.