as in boy
a male person who has not yet reached adulthood
the young boxer looked like a mere stripling next to his larger, more seasoned opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 stripling
Mickey Mouse will celebrate his 100th birthday in 2028; now in its 46th year, ESPN is a mere stripling compared to the chipper murine in the funny red pants.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
More important still, thrilling these ultra-cultured striplings means winning over mom and dad, too.
—Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 25 June 2023
In Dunst’s hands, Antoinette is naturally happy, an excitable stripling full of life — the sort of protagonist you’d root for simply because the performer inhabiting her is so agreeable.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2021
Best-selling author Margaret George has just published a novel repackaging the Roman emperor Nero, whose name has evoked mayhem and recreational pyromania for the past 2,000 years, as a misunderstood stripling.
—Joe Queenan, WSJ, 5 May 2017
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026
More important still, thrilling these ultra-cultured striplings means winning over mom and dad, too.
—Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 25 June 2023
In Dunst’s hands, Antoinette is naturally happy, an excitable stripling full of life — the sort of protagonist you’d root for simply because the performer inhabiting her is so agreeable.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2021
Best-selling author Margaret George has just published a novel repackaging the Roman emperor Nero, whose name has evoked mayhem and recreational pyromania for the past 2,000 years, as a misunderstood stripling.
—Joe Queenan, WSJ, 5 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stripling
Noun
-
While the wife embraces their animatronic offspring, her husband keeps a wary distance, unconvinced that the android has any connection to their boy.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
-
Cartersville’s boys and Harris County’s girls won their first state championships in track and field Monday at Georgia’s Spec Towns Track in Athens.—
Todd Holcomb,
AJC.com,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Even the way some of the balls are now, and the way some of these lads can hit the thing.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
This place was incredible, and got to enjoy it with some good lads.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The bottom seven teams in the league do not seem to have aspirations to compete, and more than a few teenagers now dot these rosters in a clear gambit to get in early on rising talent.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Both teenagers are hiding secrets; Johnny, a potentially career-ending injury, and Shannon, a troubled and violent home life.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The bill would specifically forbid practices that Black Bear, the Stars and other companies have used to monopolize and vertically integrate the youth sports experience in hockey and beyond, driving up costs for families and pricing out many kids.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
-
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including lessons for kids and childcare services.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The epitome of an enfant terrible, Rimbaud was a rebellious adolescent with a tempestuous personal life (ask fellow poet Paul Verlaine).—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026
-
As an adolescent, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and struggled through school.—
Jen Murphy,
Robb Report,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stripling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stripling. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
