flippancy

noun

ˈfli-pən(t)-sē How to pronounce flippancy (audio)
Definition of flippancynext
as in lightness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time no one appreciates your flippancy during our religious services

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of flippancy This flippancy may have more than a little to do with the freediving community’s attitude toward Šobat’s breath-holding achievements. — Sean Williams, Outside, 27 Oct. 2025 The flippancy with which these characters are made to bite the dust establishes the film’s combustible tone. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 We’ve all been cast adrift in the cognitive dissonance between the visceral seriousness of the crime and the abject flippancy of the shooter, the brutality of the shooting and the memes reacting to Kirk’s bigoted views. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2025 There are, at times, flashes of exasperation in her responses to Agnes’ possessiveness or flippancy. — Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for flippancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flippancy
  1. lightness
  2. cheerfulness
  3. glee
  4. silliness
  5. levity
  6. frivolity
  7. frivolousness
Noun
  • Texture takes center stage in the new drop, with plush shearling, shimmering metallics, and festive embellishments bringing a sense of lightness to the house’s signature designs.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Wrapped in soft cashmere, the Cashmere Cabin is designed to mimic the feeling of stepping into an Ultralight with Cashmere piece and being enveloped in softness, lightness and ease.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • Leaders, in particular, have the power to shift the mood of their teams, not by pretending everything is fine or manufacturing cheerfulness but through tone, body language, and small actions.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The service Professionalism comes with genuine warmth, cheerfulness, and a sense of people absolutely loving their jobs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfulness
Noun
  • The universal glee of getting tacos (Silvia Razgova) Picture the moment when a taquero hands you a warm paper plate heaping with warm tortillas and meats on a street in Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • Mandell never let his artistic seriousness stand in the way of his silliness.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silliness
Noun
  • With a sense of movement and levity, Piva’s vision came alive in the form of flower petals and bits of confetti with the help of Helios’ cutting-edge machinery.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of levity
Noun
  • But all of this was mere frivolity in comparison to The House.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The gym is serviceable, and while there is no spa, you are perfectly placed to get out there and not waste time on such frivolities.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of frivolity
Noun
  • Let effort speak louder than frivolousness.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of frivolousness

Browse Nearby Words

flip (out)
flippancy
flippant
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Cite this Entry

“Flippancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flippancy. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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