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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Scientists have dissected the left eye of a juvenile humpback and revealed the species’ eyesight is weaker than biologists previously suspected.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025
The juveniles were treated and reunited with their families, according to deputies.
—Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Adjective
Someone found the juvenile female green sea turtle on April 15 at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and reported it to the stranding hotline, the seashore's officials said online on May 18.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Scientists have dissected the left eye of a juvenile humpback and revealed the species’ eyesight is weaker than biologists previously suspected.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
Noun
The two juveniles were arrested and charged with reckless burning, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace and are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025
The juveniles were treated and reunited with their families, according to deputies.
—Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for juvenile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juvenile
Adjective
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Binge drinking and alcohol use has been declining among young people.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
29 May 2025
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South Koreans aged 18-30 face some of the worst relative poverty rates among OECD countries, and the perception among young men is that 18-month compulsory national service puts them at a marked disadvantage to their female peers, who are exempt.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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The top is tufted, and the slightly pleated skirt gives it just enough charm without treading into childish territory.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
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Tuesday, Perez snapped back, accusing the governor of childish behavior.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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There are so many adults like myself walking around with these adolescent feelings of rejection.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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And how have the brothers changed since their early years as adolescent stars?—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Director Robert Zemeckis finds mixed results marrying broad comedy and pop-culture references with the title wooden boy's adventurous quest to become a real kid.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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The American customers can peruse Saint James' iconic wardrobe essentials for the whole family with selections men, women, kids, even dogs plus unisex styles.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Peripheral blood smear: A sample of your blood is examined under a microscope to look for abnormal cells, including immature cells that shouldn’t normally be in the bloodstream.—
Health,
Health,
24 May 2025
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Concluding the movie as a surprisingly mature teenager is a fascinating transition into a decade-plus of Cruise playing immature grown-ups.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Another victim was 27-year-old Mary Reiner, who had just returned home after giving birth to her first child.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Voices Column: Lewis W. Hine’s photos helped child labor laws pass a century ago.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Juvenile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juvenile. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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