as in lightness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
the boys were scolded for joking during the funeral service, which was hardly the time for frivolity
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Recent Examples of frivolity
While Harrison Ford gets first billing, women rule this absolutely rollicking flick (with nods to its screwball forebears) that is at once a riot, a smart exploration of the era’s frivolity, and an interrogation of class, power structures, ambition, and loyalty.
—
John Ortved, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2025
Sending up the no-stakes frivolity of progressive Reform Judaism, characters played by Seth Rogen and Kate Berlant get some insight-free chuckles.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
The protagonist’s diabolical plot is fuelled by an unmanageable tangle of emotions, including raging jealousy, mercenary self-interest, and resentment of Eileen’s professional and intellectual accomplishments, which sparks shame at her own cosseted frivolity.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
For the forgiving, these simulcasts have insights and frivolities each Monday.
—Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frivolity
John Ortved, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2025
Sending up the no-stakes frivolity of progressive Reform Judaism, characters played by Seth Rogen and Kate Berlant get some insight-free chuckles.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
The protagonist’s diabolical plot is fuelled by an unmanageable tangle of emotions, including raging jealousy, mercenary self-interest, and resentment of Eileen’s professional and intellectual accomplishments, which sparks shame at her own cosseted frivolity.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
For the forgiving, these simulcasts have insights and frivolities each Monday.
—Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frivolity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frivolity
Noun
-
There is a sense of lightness and comfort throughout.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This time, experiment with lightness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hellmann’s is hoping a healthy does of silliness will help its Super Bowl recipe.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
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But The Moment is too self-conscious to really commit to such silliness.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His former teammates watched the highlight reel with glee from afar.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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Not only do the four statues bode well for the film’s future, but the room buzzed with good will for Anderson, who didn’t try to hide his glee.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ian Schrager’s Italian protégé Aldo Melpignano promises to bring the same energy and cheerfulness that the Borgo Egnazia is known for, though here with a South Tyrolean style.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
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That indefatigable cheerfulness, even when describing scenes that sound brutal to almost anyone else, ran through the entire interview.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The balance of sincerity and levity continued throughout the night.—
Lily Moayeri,
Rolling Stone,
29 Jan. 2026
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Directed by Felix van Groeningen, the film is resolutely hard-nosed but not without moments of levity and an ultimately redemptive arc for its young lead.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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The flippancy with which these characters are made to bite the dust establishes the film’s combustible tone.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frivolity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frivolity. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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