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
-
Finally, don’t rinse—simply leave the product in your hair and reap the benefits of smoothness, hydration, and lightness.—
Claire West,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Underscoring the importance of this new development, Loro Piana is unveiling a dedicated digital and print campaign focusing on the lightness of the fabrics.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There is plenty of silliness in this year’s commercials.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The silliness betrays the seriousness.—
J. Aaron Sanders,
STAT,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The director wiped away tears as she was welcomed to the stage at the Eccles with a standing ovation; the crowd continued to clap and cheer as the cast joined her with Tatum picking up his pint-sized co-star to swing her around with glee.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
When Huskies head coach Dan Hurley called a timeout, a sellout crowd of 19,812 erupted with deafening glee.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2026
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Raines replied, her usual cheerfulness stepping up a notch.—
Rebecca Boone,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As the snowcrete melts and the cherry blossoms start to peek out from Tidal Basin branches, dare to allow yourself a moment of communal levity.—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
19 Feb. 2026
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The shorter length is key, offering spring-enhancing levity without a choppier cut.—
Krista Carter,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Crucial here is that the markets confirm the flippancy found in the previous question, and much more importantly, would have confirmed it then if anyone had been asking.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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The flippancy of the title evokes the internet as Purgatory.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frivolity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frivolity. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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