carnivalesque
adjective
car·ni·val·esque
ˌkär-nə-və-ˈlesk 
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
Examples of carnivalesque in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There was something almost carnivalesque about playing baseball in such miserable conditions.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
With multiple hues split by seams that encircle their throats and bellies, the vases have a sweet, carnivalesque elegance.
—Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Well before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
With multiple hues split by seams that encircle their throats and bellies, the vases have a sweet, carnivalesque elegance.
—Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Well before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque
Cite this Entry
“Carnivalesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnivalesque. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share