levity

noun

ˈle-və-tē How to pronounce levity (audio)
Definition of levitynext
as in lightness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time the teachers disapprove of any displays of levity during school assemblies

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 levity The event aims to inject some levity into an historically adversarial relationship, reminding both sides of the spirit of the game. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 That man stayed ready throughout, and was always in his suit and tie and took it very seriously—but also kept some levity in the back of it. — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for levity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for levity
  1. lightness
  2. cheerfulness
  3. glee
  4. silliness
  5. frivolity
  6. flippancy
Noun
  • The steel, aged-effect metal and highly polished surfaces create a contrast between rawness and precision, while the transparency of the facade lends lightness to the flagship’s compact, block-like form.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • This wonderful Syrah is a blend of 94 percent Syrah and 6 percent Viognier to add a bit of lightness.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • Leaders, in particular, have the power to shift the mood of their teams, not by pretending everything is fine or manufacturing cheerfulness but through tone, body language, and small actions.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 22 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of cheerfulness
Noun
  • Pod Save America Was Cautiously Optimistic One of the sadder sidenotes of this blue wave was that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert had already bowed before Colbert could do a live show that was 87 percent cackling with glee.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Homerism was rampant on election night, and some talkers could hardly contain their glee.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • Mandell never let his artistic seriousness stand in the way of his silliness.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silliness
Noun
  • But all of this was mere frivolity in comparison to The House.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The gym is serviceable, and while there is no spa, you are perfectly placed to get out there and not waste time on such frivolities.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of frivolity
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

levitations
levity
levy
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Cite this Entry

“Levity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/levity. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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