as in lightness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
the boys were scolded for joking during the funeral service, which was hardly the time for frivolity
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Recent Examples of frivolity
Their needs are too great to waste any more time on frivolities such as sales-tax breaks on gun sales or concert tickets or the governor’s never-ending fixation on drag queens.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
The media’s historical focus on higher-profile candidates and outsiders may reflect not press frivolity but rather genuine shifts in voter sentiment during periods of discontent with conventional politicians and established governance approaches.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Sending up the no-stakes frivolity of progressive Reform Judaism, characters played by Seth Rogen and Kate Berlant get some insight-free chuckles.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
The protagonist’s diabolical plot is fuelled by an unmanageable tangle of emotions, including raging jealousy, mercenary self-interest, and resentment of Eileen’s professional and intellectual accomplishments, which sparks shame at her own cosseted frivolity.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frivolity
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
The media’s historical focus on higher-profile candidates and outsiders may reflect not press frivolity but rather genuine shifts in voter sentiment during periods of discontent with conventional politicians and established governance approaches.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Sending up the no-stakes frivolity of progressive Reform Judaism, characters played by Seth Rogen and Kate Berlant get some insight-free chuckles.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
The protagonist’s diabolical plot is fuelled by an unmanageable tangle of emotions, including raging jealousy, mercenary self-interest, and resentment of Eileen’s professional and intellectual accomplishments, which sparks shame at her own cosseted frivolity.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frivolity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frivolity
Noun
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Are laughter and lightness merely opiates, or tools of the revolution, or both, or neither?—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
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Even before the Elite Eight tipped off, Auriemma said the Huskies were operating with a lightness he’s rarely ever seen in 41 seasons at the helm of the program.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Audiences can take in two shows, with lots of silliness and some heart.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Mar. 2026
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Various clips are making the rounds on social media where Chiefs fans are enjoying seeing Jones’ latest silliness.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What wasn't hidden was their apparent glee.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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But that he – along with fellow Pittsburgher Wiz Khalifa and country star Kane Brown – has been tapped to perform during the 2026 NFL Draft in his hometown has the gregarious rocker vibrating with glee.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Lastly, yellow tulips symbolize cheerfulness, happiness, and optimism.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
24 Mar. 2026
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His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite the levity surrounding the video, the creator’s follow-up clarified the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the fire resulted in a total loss of the home.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
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But on Saturday, the Bruins’ levity still shined through.—
Haley Sawyer,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Crucial here is that the markets confirm the flippancy found in the previous question, and much more importantly, would have confirmed it then if anyone had been asking.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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The flippancy of the title evokes the internet as Purgatory.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frivolity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frivolity. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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