Definitions

carnival

[kahr-nuh-vuhl] / ˈkɑr nə vəl /

NOUN

outdoor celebration

Synonyms

STRONG

bacchanal carousal circus conviviality exposition fair feasting festival fete fiesta frolic gala heyday jamboree jollification jubilee masquerade merrymaking orgy ragbag revelry rout saturnalia spree

WEAK

Mardi Gras amusement park carny grind show side show street fair

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zegna’s clothes offered clothing in vibrant, carnival colors that reminded me of the turning of the seasons, of moments of change.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Anthony Rodriguez, co-founder of Digital Spenders Club, which put on the carnival, was unfazed by Wall Street’s arrival on the scene.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

This year's carnival featured musical performances, bedazzled horses, huge dragons and dancing stilt walkers.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Inside the exhibit hall, there was a carnival game where contestants could see who could shoot the most water at a target.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Ma looked around the room at some carnival posters on Eric’s living room wall.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat

Vocabulary lists containing carnival

February Vocabulary Words

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Mardi Gras: Fun

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Body Language: Carn ("Flesh")

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