1
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
we indulgently listened to the senior citizens share memories of long-ago frolics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in spree
a time or instance of carefree fun
took the long weekend as a three-day frolic and spent it at the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself
firmly believes that childhood should be a time of carefree frolic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in joyful
joyously unrestrained
the frolic atmosphere that envelops New Orleans during Mardi Gras
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to cavort
to play and run about happily
scores of swimmers were frolicking in the ocean surf along the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to play
to engage in activity for amusement
he would rather frolic than do yard work any day of the week
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 frolic
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
And Ben Ahlers, who plays Happy, comes of course with that actor’s famously warm smile and chirpy demeanor, slowly worn down here before your eyes, as the permissible frolics of youth turn into the stasis of one going nowhere.
—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
26 June 2025
Pods of porpoises frolic, and a playful minke whale shimmers in the afternoon sun.
—
Cnt Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Sep. 2024
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Past the frolicking waters of the outdoor fountain that anchors Lincoln Center, beyond the twin Chagall murals hanging 30-feet tall in the Metropolitan Opera House lobby, and behind the stage of one of the nation’s most glittering cultural centers sits a warren of rooms in a concrete labyrinth.
—
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frolic
Noun
And Ben Ahlers, who plays the adult Happy, comes with that actor’s famously warm smile and chirpy demeanor, slowly worn down here before your eyes, as the permissible frolics of youth turn into the stasis of one going nowhere.
—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
And Ben Ahlers, who plays Happy, comes of course with that actor’s famously warm smile and chirpy demeanor, slowly worn down here before your eyes, as the permissible frolics of youth turn into the stasis of one going nowhere.
—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Go ahead, frolic outdoors, but be alert to the seasonal hazards!
—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
26 June 2025
Pods of porpoises frolic, and a playful minke whale shimmers in the afternoon sun.
—
Cnt Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Sep. 2024
Verb
Through scenes of gossip, frolicking and even a foot chase as cops try to shut the revelry down, Basholli introduces her setting (Prishtina, Kosovo in the late ‘90s) as though the audience were an eager participant in every conversation, and privy to the girls’ secrets.
—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Past the frolicking waters of the outdoor fountain that anchors Lincoln Center, beyond the twin Chagall murals hanging 30-feet tall in the Metropolitan Opera House lobby, and behind the stage of one of the nation’s most glittering cultural centers sits a warren of rooms in a concrete labyrinth.
—
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frolic
Noun
-
Those ticket sales rank as the worst opening in the prank comedy series that’s all about risking life, limb and dignity.
-
Police used the incident to warn the public that pranks involving Orbeez guns, airsoft guns, or other toy firearms can provoke dangerous reactions and lead to criminal charges.
Noun
-
My records show that pike are liable to begin a feeding spree anytime during the day.
-
After a week’s worth of trade fireworks—Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball and Kawhi Leonard are all on the move, among others—teams didn’t rush into a free-agent spending spree.
Noun
-
Transforming unused outdoor areas creates functional spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.
-
Pillars of Greek culture, like an open-air cinema and taverna-inspired dining, anchor the experience, which also offers a standalone spa plus fitness center complete with a Finnish sauna and outdoor yoga deck for extra relaxation.
Adjective
-
Part of Black history is innovation in the face of oppression and a determination to create safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces for ourselves and for everyone.
-
Would society trend toward debilitating mass unemployment or the joyful end of work?
Verb
-
Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets.
-
Formal dining rooms began disappearing from American homes in the last century, replaced by open kitchens, through which all members of the family can cavort freely, like a splash pad; contemporary Americans apparently have little use for the plate.
Verb
-
Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
-
Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
Noun
-
Sometimes finding the right trees can be an adventure, hiking into forests and mountains to find the oldest trees, patriarchs that hold centuries of information.
-
My husband and daughter were enthusiastic about my applying for this year-long adventure.
Noun
-
Or perhaps more accurately, like a gleeful romp with friends through a haunted-house attraction at a regional fair, with various creepy creatures leaping suddenly out of the darkness.
-
For a more light-hearted romp with Dirty Dancing vibes and adorable dogs, check out this next book in the bestselling Darling Springs series by Lauren Blakely.
Cite this Entry
“Frolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frolic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
