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carnivalesque

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adjective car·ni·val·esque \ ˌkär-nə-və-ˈlesk \

Definition of carnivalesque

1 :suggestive of a carnival

a carnivalesque celebration

2 :marked by an often mocking or satirical challenge to authority and the traditional social hierarchy

a carnivalesque protest

Recent Examples of carnivalesque from the Web

The songs had common ingredients—two highly distinctive singers, textural guitar influenced by folk and jazz and flamenco, carnivalesque keyboard and classical woodwinds—but no common formula.

— spencer kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Grizzly Bear Capture the Beauty of Connection," 20 Aug. 2017
His delight in all things carnal and carnivalesque flows as freely as ever.

— justin chang, chicagotribune.com, "'Endless Poetry' review: Jodorowsky's parable of personal and social liberation," 27 July 2017
With his bullying serve, haymaker forehand and knack for carnivalesque shots, Kyrgios is wildly entertaining to watch.

— michael steinberger, New York Times, "The Electric, Infuriating Nick Kyrgios," 25 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'carnivalesque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of carnivalesque

1791

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

anathematize

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to curse or denounce

BROWSE DICTIONARY

carnitine

carnival

carnivalesque

carnival glass

carnivora

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