1
as in young
being in the early stage of life, growth, or development
a juvenile alligator just hatched from its egg
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in childish
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children
throwing a tantrum is rather juvenile behavior for a person of your age
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adolescent
lacking in adult experience or maturity
a spoiled, juvenile golfer who does not know how to win gracefully
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in kid
a young person who is between infancy and adulthood
a medical study that followed juveniles through adolescence and into adulthood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of juvenile
Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026
The accused are young men who would have a better shot at rehabilitation in the juvenile-justice system, Gottlieb said.
—Sofia Saric
june 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called to a Foothill Ranch Walmart in Lake Forest after two juveniles were spotted riding e-bikes inside the store Sunday, nearly striking shoppers inside, officials said.
—Salvador Hernandez
follow
june 10, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Adjective
These smolts are juvenile salmon and steelhead, usually no longer than 6 inches, making their way to the ocean.
—Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026
The accused are young men who would have a better shot at rehabilitation in the juvenile-justice system, Gottlieb said.
—Sofia Saric
june 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Noun
The juvenile who died in the crash was a passenger identified as Kinsley Seay, WGHP says.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called to a Foothill Ranch Walmart in Lake Forest after two juveniles were spotted riding e-bikes inside the store Sunday, nearly striking shoppers inside, officials said.
—Salvador Hernandez
follow
june 10, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juvenile
Adjective
-
For young travelers, Paintbox and Paintbox Petite are the resort’s exclusive clubs for children ages 5 to 12 and 2 to 5.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
Big surf from a previous swell contributed to a drowning Saturday off Dana Point and, on Wednesday afternoon, the search continued for a young girl swept off the sand Tuesday evening in Laguna Beach.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Democrats could dismiss this line of attack as childish and homophobic.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
-
Garrincha was characterised as childish and moronic in psychological tests commissioned by the Brazilian federation before that tournament in Sweden and was then left out of their first two games.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Women with thyroid disorders or a history of disordered eating should consult a clinician first, as should pregnant or breastfeeding women, adolescent girls and those under high chronic stress.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
-
Women with thyroid disorders, a history of disordered eating, high chronic stress, adolescent girls and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a clinician before starting.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
In that year in the United States the number of lost kids had dropped to just over two per hundred.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
The hotel is appropriate for kids, and, with a registration fee, 3–15-year-olds can participate in a Central Park day camp.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The agency notes that the wipes are predominantly used on newborns, infants, and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their immature immune systems.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
8 June 2026
-
Edamame is young, immature soybeans.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
This inexperienced crew of 20-somethings takes on unorthodox jobs to build their brand and pay rent.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Gay or not, Scott clearly is inexperienced with caring for bottoms.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Later that week in November, another source told PEOPLE exclusively that the decision to remove the children from King's custody came after King allegedly gave Ritalin to one of her sons multiple times, even though the child had not been prescribed the medication by a doctor.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
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The World Food Program provides over 600,000 children a hot meal every day in many schools in Haiti.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Juvenile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juvenile. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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