as in immature
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children
you almost spoiled the ceremony for everyone with your childish giggling
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Recent Examples of childish
The use of childish internet and video-game memes to describe violence is coarse and unworthy of the men and women who go in harm’s way.
—
Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
However, this is a childish fantasy.
—Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
The more childish and unrefined, the better.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Child actor Jax James has been set in the series regular role of Dougie, Maureen’s only son who is not even ten but acts like a 60-year-old scholar and has no time for childish fancies.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childish
Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
However, this is a childish fantasy.
—Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
The more childish and unrefined, the better.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Child actor Jax James has been set in the series regular role of Dougie, Maureen’s only son who is not even ten but acts like a 60-year-old scholar and has no time for childish fancies.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childish
Adjective
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There’s so much regulation coming our way aimed at removing any sort of greenwashing, but even if that is successful, the customer is still immature.—
Elektra Kotsoni,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
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On top of that, the immature grubs chew through grass roots and create dead patches in your lawn.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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What supports adolescent contribution?—
Jen Agans,
The Conversation,
8 May 2026
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For any adolescent, a private bedroom is both sanctuary and mood board.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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The juvenile bear’s wander across campus late Thursday and early Friday prompted an advisory to students and a search by UC Davis police and wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Yolo County Animal Control.—
Allison Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
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Over the last 20 years, scientists have documented an increasing number of juvenile great white sharks cruising waters off Southern California beaches.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Childish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childish. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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