childish

adjective

ˈchī(-ə)l-dish How to pronounce childish (audio)
Definition of childishnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 childish Chuckling at Bane's childish prank calls, unlocking silly cosmetic suits, and collaborating with my family to solve puzzles made for not just a great game, but some fantastic family memories. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026 The target of his satire is not just the wealthy, castle-dwelling Jo Stoyte, clearly modeled on Hearst, but American society writ large, with its trashy consumerism and childish veneration of riches. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 Garrincha was characterised as childish and moronic in psychological tests commissioned by the Brazilian federation before that tournament in Sweden and was then left out of their first two games. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Their childish counter-punch is HB 1430 — if the people of Colorado dare to pass Initaitve 175, we, the few dozen people of the legislature, will reduce those taxes for 3 years and take those funds away from the roads. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for childish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childish
  1. immature
  2. adolescent
  3. juvenile
Adjective
  • In practice, portions of the automation framework still feel slightly immature.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
  • These are the immature stages of small brown moths.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Definition of immature
Adjective
  • Additionally, occasional rule-breaking and defiance are considered a normal part of child and adolescent development.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • Ultimately, this visible lump is a permanent record of a hormonal change, primarily designed to be heard, reflecting the body's adolescent effort to project a larger presence.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of adolescent
Adjective
  • The pipe burst released about 130 million gallons of water, trapped several workers, killed hundreds of juvenile Chinook salmon and damaged the New Colgate Powerhouse.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
  • One of the e-bike riders, a juvenile boy, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly thereafter, the release said.
    — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Definition of juvenile

Browse Nearby Words

childhood
childish
childishness
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Cite this Entry

“Childish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childish. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on childish

Nglish: Translation of childish for Spanish Speakers

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