as in immature
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children
you almost spoiled the ceremony for everyone with your childish giggling
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Recent Examples of childish
Meanwhile, his brother has been lashing out in petty and childish ways.
—
Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Imagination is a valuable power Creating an imaginary other might seem like a quirky, perhaps even childish, addition to sports practice.
—Stephanie Madsen, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
There’s something mystical about him and a little bit childish.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 June 2025
This does not imply that college students should be taught childish skills but rather acknowledges the need to foster emotional coping skills and positive relationships throughout the academic careers of students.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for childish
Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Imagination is a valuable power Creating an imaginary other might seem like a quirky, perhaps even childish, addition to sports practice.
—Stephanie Madsen, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
There’s something mystical about him and a little bit childish.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 June 2025
This does not imply that college students should be taught childish skills but rather acknowledges the need to foster emotional coping skills and positive relationships throughout the academic careers of students.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for childish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childish
Adjective
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The immature or nymph stage is similar in shape but more red than adult bugs.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
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Several argued that refusing to attend was only stirring the pot, and slammed the woman for being immature and entitled.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Data from 70 countries show that while most women and adolescent girls have menstrual materials and a private place to change, many lack sufficient materials to change as often as needed.—
Maryanne Murray Buechner,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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While such evaluations can happen at most any age, diagnosis typically occurs in individuals over the age of 18, since many symptoms can overlap with normal adolescent development.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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During a public comment period, parents of children and teens incarcerated in juvenile detention said officers often let fights happen instead of trying to first mediate conflict.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
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That was a time when more and more states were moving juvenile offenders into adult systems.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Childish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childish. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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