1
as in playful
given to good-natured joking or teasing
a frolicsome uncle who was a favorite among his relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joyful
joyously unrestrained
teachers smiling at the frolicsome students leaving school for summer vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 frolicsome
The show starts frolicsome and then morphs into a farce that grows more than a little hellish, NPR critic John Powers writes.
—
Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 May 2026
On April 4, Ogden will take part in the frolicsome, 100 percent amateur Nordic X race at the tiny Cochran’s Ski Area in Vermont.
—Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Known for her glamorous pursuits and doomed affairs, Princess Margaret has gone down in history as the frolicsome foil to her ever poised and solemn sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
—Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025
Ah, but in the decades that Kernan spent meticulously researching this biography, a filmed version of the play was turned up, so admirers of Schuyler can now behold the young, frolicsome incarnations of him, O’Hara, and Freilicher, among others, in footage shot during two weeks in the Hamptons.
—Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Even Bauman’s funniest musical bits get swallowed in the show’s frothy, frolicsome relentlessness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Both concentrated on paintings of frolicsome, amorous bunnies.
—Roberta Smith, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023
But back in the aughts, before Ganni's frolicsome offering of poplin collared dresses and knee-high chelsea boots became an unofficial uniform for western women in their mid-twenties and beyond, the company dealt exclusively in cashmere.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 Aug. 2022
Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 May 2026
On April 4, Ogden will take part in the frolicsome, 100 percent amateur Nordic X race at the tiny Cochran’s Ski Area in Vermont.
—Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Known for her glamorous pursuits and doomed affairs, Princess Margaret has gone down in history as the frolicsome foil to her ever poised and solemn sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
—Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025
Ah, but in the decades that Kernan spent meticulously researching this biography, a filmed version of the play was turned up, so admirers of Schuyler can now behold the young, frolicsome incarnations of him, O’Hara, and Freilicher, among others, in footage shot during two weeks in the Hamptons.
—Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Even Bauman’s funniest musical bits get swallowed in the show’s frothy, frolicsome relentlessness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Both concentrated on paintings of frolicsome, amorous bunnies.
—Roberta Smith, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023
But back in the aughts, before Ganni's frolicsome offering of poplin collared dresses and knee-high chelsea boots became an unofficial uniform for western women in their mid-twenties and beyond, the company dealt exclusively in cashmere.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frolicsome
Adjective
-
May 21 – June 20 A playful idea could attract the right ally faster than expected today.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
Leo July 23 – August 22 A playful risk could turn into something surprisingly grand today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Every seating unfolds to a soundtrack of 90s hip-hop, an unexpected but perfect counterpoint that keeps the room relaxed, energetic, and quietly joyful.—
Lori Fredrich,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
The royal mom shared the same picture to her Instagram on Monday, along with a joyful message below.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Lochte, 41, was one of the faces of swimming during the heights of his career, with major sponsorships, endorsements and appearances on TV shows displaying his lively personality.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Purple irises bring wisdom, while blue irises encourage faith, white irises symbolize integrity, and yellow irises are an exuberant rush of enthusiasm — all while enhancing our verbal sentiments.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
Joie de vivre Happy-go-lucky hounds have an abundance of joie de vivre, a French phrase that refers to a cheerful and exuberant enjoyment of life.—
Aditya Simha,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
For those who want to bring their furry friends along, head to Bonita Beach Dog Park, a dog-friendly, off-leash tidal flat where pups can roam freely and frolic in the shallow waters.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But today, beachgoers continue to stroll, sunbathe and frolic buck naked on that stretch of sand, in defiance of the law.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Both Angela Ingersoll, who played the ever-hopeful Sally, and Michelle Duffy, as the cynical realist Phyllis, pulsed with vivacious energy, playing across from Rapp’s sardonic take on wound-tight Ben and Wallem’s deeply sad exploration of Buddy.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Noblezada stepped into the role of the tragically vivacious nightclub singer Sally Bowles, but rather than playing her unlikely lover Cliff, Carney was cast as the impishly sinister Emcee of the Kit Kat Club.—
Carey Purcell,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale, on the other hand, is deliciously bitter with tiny, effervescent bubbles that never overwhelm your palate.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Just smile, be more bubbly and effervescent.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What causes the unstoppable nucleation of bubbles within a body of magma, which can propel hot, buoyant magma through the crust above with soda can–like effervescence?—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
Friendly and open, Leon has an energetic, buoyant personality.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frolicsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frolicsome. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
