carnivalesque
adjective
car·ni·val·esque
ˌkär-nə-və-ˈlesk 
1
: suggestive of a carnival
a carnivalesque celebration
2
: marked by an often mocking or satirical challenge to authority and the traditional social hierarchy
a carnivalesque protest
Examples of carnivalesque in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The scene outside Pearl Street, following the verdict, was literally carnivalesque, almost nihilistic, as revellers poured baby oil on themselves.
—
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 3 July 2025
There was something almost carnivalesque about playing baseball in such miserable conditions.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
With multiple hues split by seams that encircle their throats and bellies, the vases have a sweet, carnivalesque elegance.
—Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque
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Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 3 July 2025
There was something almost carnivalesque about playing baseball in such miserable conditions.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
With multiple hues split by seams that encircle their throats and bellies, the vases have a sweet, carnivalesque elegance.
—Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque
Cite this Entry
“Carnivalesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnivalesque. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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