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
Relevance
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
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 juvenile
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Two juvenile passengers in the sedan sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital, the news release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The juveniles allegedly tried to strike and kick the victim.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Adjective
Hale's campaign goals include addressing juvenile crime and increasing funding and support for law enforcement.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Two juvenile passengers in the sedan sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital, the news release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
Two separate shootings occurred in Aurora Monday evening, one of which left two juveniles injured, the Aurora Police Department said on Tuesday.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The juveniles allegedly tried to strike and kick the victim.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juvenile
Adjective
-
The hockey association could have used a big international appearance to promote the sport to younger players.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Coach Rick Hirtensteiner said Young dealt with the pressure by just trying to have fun, and Sheffer, playing with his younger brother, Ryan, a starting shortstop, appeared to do just that Wednesday.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Hence the childish clown imagery in an era before coulrophobia was widely talked about.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
-
However, Robbie’s performance keeps Cathy’s childish nature intact with many obsessive outbursts.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet despite these gains, new infections remain a concern, particularly among adolescent girls and young women.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, Zishan Khan Khan.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The kids couldn’t receive direct messages from non-followers and algorithms would be adjusted so they couldn’t be targeted by specific advertisements.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
School nutrition staff and vendors use the event to test new recipes and get feedback from the very kids who will be eating them.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Adults have a waxy cottony-looking coating, while immature bugs are smaller but similar.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The film’s vintage patina doesn’t detract from rising actor Will Price’s confident performance as an immature mobster who prefers bitcoin to stacks of Benjamins.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The president has directed the department to pursue his personal enemies and has replaced career DOJ employees with inexperienced MAGA loyalists, sometimes to the detriment of his own agenda.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Even on a good day, the area is not for the inexperienced.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For families As mentioned, while the main property is 13 years and older, Auric House is suitable for children of all ages.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
So far, its children’s hospital hasn’t admitted any measles patients, doctors said.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Juvenile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juvenile. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
