There are several synonyms that can be used in place of "become animated about" depending on the context of the sentence. Some alternative phrases you can use include "get excited about," "become enthusiastic about," "get hyped about," "get fired up about," "get passionate about," and "become animated over." These phrases indicate a level of excitement, eagerness, or passion about a particular topic or event. They can be used in various settings, such as when discussing hobbies, events or the future prospects of a particular project. By using synonyms, you can make your writing more specific and engaging.