juvenile 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjü-və-ˌnī(-ə)l How to pronounce juvenile (audio)
Definition of juvenilenext
1
as in young
being in the early stage of life, growth, or development a juvenile alligator just hatched from its egg

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2
as in childish
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children throwing a tantrum is rather juvenile behavior for a person of your age

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3
as in adolescent
lacking in adult experience or maturity a spoiled, juvenile golfer who does not know how to win gracefully

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juvenile

2 of 2

noun

as in kid
a young person who is between infancy and adulthood a medical study that followed juveniles through adolescence and into adulthood

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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 juvenile
Adjective
One crab can eat more than 40 juvenile soft-shell clams in a day, while also destroying seagrass habitats. — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 The facility also houses many juveniles from Mecklenburg County, which has lacked its own juvenile detention center since Sheriff Garry McFadden closed Jail North in 2022. — Nora O’Neill 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
Among the victims near Florida A&M University were six juveniles, including an 11-year-old, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told reporters at a news conference late Saturday. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said a juvenile shot Davis, calling it a domestic situation between Davis and his girlfriend when the juvenile stepped in to defend the woman. — Erika Stanish, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juvenile
  1. young
  2. childish
  3. adolescent
  4. kid
  5. immature
  6. inexperienced
  7. child
Adjective
  • That young Israelis are drifting right is in many ways a reflection of how Israeli society differs from other wealthy democracies.
    — Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But after Vucic conceded defeat Sunday evening, ecstatic young revelers filled the streets of Belgrade and ripped down the cordons around the encampment known as Caciland.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of young
Adjective
  • Yet my first response was a childish pride that Dad had been deemed important enough to attract Hoover’s attention.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • There has always been a childish aspect to him — in a good way — and his curiosity hasn’t dimmed even as his age has advanced.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of childish
Adjective
  • Many of us have watched the debate about links between social media use and adolescent mental health run for more than a decade without consensus, thanks in part to the lack of necessary measurement infrastructure to inform policymakers.
    — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This month, the brand has introduced a sixth scent with Havana Tonka—a decadent fragrance with nothing adolescent about it.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of adolescent
Noun
  • The South is cheapest for young kids For families with young children, annual costs are lowest across much of the South.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • When Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stopped in London in 2024, the Prince of Wales wanted a photo with his kids and the world-famous singer.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of kid
Adjective
  • The connective tissue between different models remains immature, and real transformation depends on it.
    — Chris Koehler, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Edamame Edamame, or immature soybeans, is naturally rich in both protein and fiber.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of immature
Adjective
  • Right tackle Joe Alt (neck) and left guard Kayode Awosika (fibula) remain out, meaning rookie center Jake Slaughter will continue to anchor a front that has featured several inexperienced players over the last two games.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • These experienced and skilled athletes, who are often 22 or 23 years old, are appealing to coaches, especially when compared with inexperienced and physically less developed freshmen.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Noun
  • Its spacious third row remains a particularly compelling advantage for families who regularly transport several adults or older children.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • People with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and anyone 65 or older are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, and Turner urged anyone fitting those categories to take extra precautions this season.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of child

Phrases Containing juvenile

Browse Nearby Words

juvenescent
juvenile
juvenile delinquent
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Cite this Entry

“Juvenile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juvenile. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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