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frivolity

noun

fri-ˈvä-lə-tē How to pronounce frivolity (audio)
Definition of frivolitynext
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

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 frivolity Whimsy is also an easy thing to capitalize on, as brands adopt fun, lighthearted aesthetics as a way to appeal to audiences who seek that frivolity. — Boone Ashworth, Wired News, 4 June 2026 Starting with the frivolity and joy of that opening costume party, Razo portrays a family crowded together in love. — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 May 2026 The ability to laugh at the frivolity of life, down to the details, with both thought and emotion, requires a person to pay attention to the details. — Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 Most absurd of all is the notion that Trump specifically worries about being seen as indulging in frivolity during wartime. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for frivolity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frivolity
  1. lightness
  2. silliness
  3. glee
  4. cheerfulness
  5. levity
  6. frivolousness
  7. flippancy
Noun
  • The diamond-set is further enhanced by the two cultured pearls, with a design that heightens sculpture and lightness.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • While the film’s logline hints at something a bit darker — a young woman makes her way through the rarefied world of New York literary mags in the years before #MeToo is even a glimmer — there’s a real lightness to the final film.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • This bit of silliness was originally featured in the Win Column, the AJC’s daily sports newsletter.
    — Rahul Deshpande, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Its silliness, therefore, cannot have the emotional impact of the chicken-talk scene in Bocking, or the hot-dogs-as-fingers segment in the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once.
    — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of silliness
Noun
  • The scourge of Steve Spurrier Spurrier took too many verbal jabs to list here and took special glee in beating the Dawgs, never forgiving them for beating his Florida Gators in his 1966 senior season, ruining their SEC championship hopes.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Voiced by Tom Kenny, SpongeBob’s unerring positivity and childlike glee immediately captured our hearts and minds, so much so that the show has continued for more than 25 years.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • 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
  • Kikuko sometimes mistook Shigejiro’s cheerfulness for egoism owing to the distortions produced by her illness.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfulness
Noun
  • But even in the darkest of moments, Housewives are Housewives, and Angie brings a sprinkle of levity by suggesting that Lisa is in perimenopause.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Silver chrome wraps around chunky, 3D crystals, with a mix of sheer brown accent nails for levity.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of levity
Noun
  • Let effort speak louder than frivolousness.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of frivolousness
Noun
  • Or how being late or canceling at the last minute is treated with less flippancy than in America.
    — Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • Spaar’s colloquial flippancies only reinforces her fervency.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Definition of flippancy

Browse Nearby Words

frivoling
frivolity
frivolous
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Cite this Entry

“Frivolity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frivolity. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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