carnivalesque
adjective
car·ni·val·esque
ˌkär-nə-və-ˈlesk 
1
: suggestive of a carnival
a carnivalesque celebration
2
: marked by an often mocking or satirical challenge to authority and the traditional social hierarchy
a carnivalesque protest
Examples of carnivalesque in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With multiple hues split by seams that encircle their throats and bellies, the vases have a sweet, carnivalesque elegance.
—
Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Well before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
As usual for Bong, unexpected music choices liven things up, from quirky waltzes to carnivalesque riffs in a Danny Elfman mode.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
The vendors included a sculptor, a florist and a woman selling odd jewelry that included animal bones turned into pendants, and other gory pieces reminiscent of the carnivalesque aspects of Victorian times.
—Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque
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Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Well before last year’s trial, the blocks surrounding the Superior Court in Dedham developed a carnivalesque atmosphere.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
As usual for Bong, unexpected music choices liven things up, from quirky waltzes to carnivalesque riffs in a Danny Elfman mode.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
The vendors included a sculptor, a florist and a woman selling odd jewelry that included animal bones turned into pendants, and other gory pieces reminiscent of the carnivalesque aspects of Victorian times.
—Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for carnivalesque
Cite this Entry
“Carnivalesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnivalesque. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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