CARNIVALESQUE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

carnivalesque

adjective

Definition of carnivalesque

as in carnival

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 carnivalesque But in its political culture the corruption was inescapable, and, like the city itself, carnivalesque. — James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 Kaddu embodies the carnivalesque spirit of the NFL in London, which has been hosting regular-season games since 2007. — Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026 But by the mid-1930s, Soviet leaders sensed that people needed something to take the edge off in the dead of winter, a carnivalesque custom of the sort that Christmas once provided. — Andrew Fedorov, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025 The film’s centerpiece is a chaotic, carnivalesque parade of surrealistic characters marching through Tokyo. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque

Recent Examples of Synonyms for carnivalesque

Adjective

Customers at Starbucks will be introduced to a new interface with a carnival-style wheel.

— Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2023
Transform your salad spinner into a carnival-style spin art machine.

— Lauren Piro, Good Housekeeping, 31 Oct. 2022

Definition of carnival

Adjective

The joyous if relatively restrained gathering was the culmination of the riotous nationwide celebrations that had broken out on the evening of April 12, when the results of the parliamentary elections came in.

— Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Guns is an actor and writer, known for her razor-sharp observations and riotous voice.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Definition of riotous

Adjective

The first walk-off home run of Clemens’ career set off a raucous celebration in the clubhouse, as the Twins went from having no pulse to running a marathon, delivering an unbelievable 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Target Field.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Apple employees were banned after a raucous night of celebrations, but were welcomed back decades later when Marc & Rose Hospitality purchased the hotel in 2011.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Definition of raucous

Adjective

Once a lawyerly panel, a takeover by a trio of conservatives deeply mistrustful of the state’s voting system has turned the board’s once mundane meetings into boisterous events packed with crowds of cheering and jeering activists.

— Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Matt Lucas and Marina Prior’s Thénardiers are boisterous and charming — more amiable sleazes than menacing scumbags, if that tracks.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026

Definition of boisterous

Browse Nearby Words

carnival

carnivalesque

carnivals

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Carnivalesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/carnivalesque. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of carnivalesque

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

élan

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes