1
as in young
being in the early stage of life, growth, or development
a juvenile alligator just hatched from its egg
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of juvenile
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
As deputies focused on Hairston, the second juvenile, 15-year-old Junior Bishop, allegedly jumped into the truck and sped away.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
The driver, identified as 60-year-old Darnell Hairston, was traveling with two juveniles, according to a release from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Adjective
Brandishing a silver revolver, Garcia reportedly confronted two men who had earlier come to the aid of a juvenile Garcia was allegedly harassing, according to the news release.
—Noun
Braintree Police arrested two juveniles allegedly involved in a movie theatre carjacking Friday.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for juvenile
Adjective
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Most people who get sick recover within a week, but infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.—
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Yu says his early experiences led him to chase achievement as a way of protecting a younger version of himself.—
Adjective
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When Smith drives us in the golf cart, hunched close to the wheel, a look of childish mischief spreads over his face.—
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The ensuing power struggle between Woody and Buzz threatens to put their owner’s childish things away forever in Pixar’s debut feature.—
Adjective
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced major changes to its childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, an age-by-age guide for health care providers on when to vaccinate children to protect them from preventable diseases.—
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The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.—
Noun
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Here, a look at the new kids on the block, arriving just in time for the season.—
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Elk Grove city leaders are now taking steps to ban kids from parking off campus.—
Adjective
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Edamame Edamame are immature soybeans that are rich in protein.—
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The edible part of okra is the plant’s immature seedpods, which contain high levels of a substance called mucilage.—
Adjective
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Ten of the top 15 quarterbacks in the portal have already committed, and after that top tier, many of the remaining quarterbacks available are either young, inexperienced passers from Power 4 programs or starters from Group of 5 or FCS schools.—
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According to the University of Massachusetts Global, teacher turnover results in a large number of inexperienced teachers being placed in classrooms, meaning more money is put toward recruiting, hiring and training.—
Noun
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If your children do homework at the kitchen table instead of their bedrooms, find a spot to keep school supplies handy.—
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Questioning the powerful influences that oversee and fund what our children learn is critical.—
Cite this Entry
“Juvenile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juvenile. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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