1
as in playful
given to good-natured joking or teasing
a frolicsome uncle who was a favorite among his relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joyful
joyously unrestrained
teachers smiling at the frolicsome students leaving school for summer vacation
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Recent Examples of frolicsome
On April 4, Ogden will take part in the frolicsome, 100 percent amateur Nordic X race at the tiny Cochran’s Ski Area in Vermont.
—
Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Known for her glamorous pursuits and doomed affairs, Princess Margaret has gone down in history as the frolicsome foil to her ever poised and solemn sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
—Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025
Ah, but in the decades that Kernan spent meticulously researching this biography, a filmed version of the play was turned up, so admirers of Schuyler can now behold the young, frolicsome incarnations of him, O’Hara, and Freilicher, among others, in footage shot during two weeks in the Hamptons.
—Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Even Bauman’s funniest musical bits get swallowed in the show’s frothy, frolicsome relentlessness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Both concentrated on paintings of frolicsome, amorous bunnies.
—Roberta Smith, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023
On their first tour together in six years, Springsteen, 73, was physical and frolicsome, his taut face routinely enveloped in a smile, while his dynamic 18-member band helped take his songs, some of them nearly 50 years old, to new heights.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023
But back in the aughts, before Ganni's frolicsome offering of poplin collared dresses and knee-high chelsea boots became an unofficial uniform for western women in their mid-twenties and beyond, the company dealt exclusively in cashmere.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 Aug. 2022
Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Known for her glamorous pursuits and doomed affairs, Princess Margaret has gone down in history as the frolicsome foil to her ever poised and solemn sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
—Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025
Ah, but in the decades that Kernan spent meticulously researching this biography, a filmed version of the play was turned up, so admirers of Schuyler can now behold the young, frolicsome incarnations of him, O’Hara, and Freilicher, among others, in footage shot during two weeks in the Hamptons.
—Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Even Bauman’s funniest musical bits get swallowed in the show’s frothy, frolicsome relentlessness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Both concentrated on paintings of frolicsome, amorous bunnies.
—Roberta Smith, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2023
On their first tour together in six years, Springsteen, 73, was physical and frolicsome, his taut face routinely enveloped in a smile, while his dynamic 18-member band helped take his songs, some of them nearly 50 years old, to new heights.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023
But back in the aughts, before Ganni's frolicsome offering of poplin collared dresses and knee-high chelsea boots became an unofficial uniform for western women in their mid-twenties and beyond, the company dealt exclusively in cashmere.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frolicsome
Adjective
-
April 20 – May 20 Your playful side wants room to breathe!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
It’s named after Hall’s favorite band, Grateful Dead, and will have a few playful nods to the band.—
Jenna Thompson
March 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The child and their pet cat explore each wonder almost meditatively until the sun rises and the day’s joyful fun can begin.—
Caroline Carlson,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The announcement stated that King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate had all been given the joyful news, while the church wedding itself will be in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, on June 6.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Participants are able to create a schedule for themselves that supports more solo contemplative space or lively group experiences.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
South Elgin’s protest was just as lively.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
From religious holidays to commemorations of native traditions, every month presents a new way to witness such an exuberant community spirit.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Rocketship’s 1996 debut, A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness, then, sits at the crossroads, marking a transition between the raucous, exuberant indie pop of its moment and the more tender, literary form the genre would soon take.—
David Glickman,
Pitchfork,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But today, beachgoers continue to stroll, sunbathe and frolic buck naked on that stretch of sand, in defiance of the law.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Alongside her, child actors dance and frolic with shadow puppetry in the land of make-believe, where youths go on adventures and learn math, science and reading skills.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The summer season calendar is kicking off with a pair of regal indie psych rock acts in Unknown Mortal Orchestra (May 22) and the vivacious Allah-Las returning to the venue for the second year in a row with Mapache’s Sam Blasucci (May 31).—
Aaron Davis,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Tune Into the Rhythm of Filipino Festivals After a nearly three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, festivals across the Philippines are once again taking the stage, filling up the events calendar with vivacious celebrations of local culture and tradition.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sipwell Rock Steady Winemakers use Champagne-method conditioning to produce delicate carbonation in this effervescent rosé made from pinot noir grapes organically grown in California’s Sonoma Coast.—
Kate Bernot,
Outside,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Bone offers a quiet and mineral calm while Fermented Fizz lifts the palette with an effervescent, tangy green.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Whatever its ingredients, magma is naturally buoyant.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Newborn whales are negatively buoyant, Gero said.—
Nathan Rott,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frolicsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frolicsome. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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