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

And wherever he went, a carnival of Brazilian flags followed.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Yet the celebrations continue, with parades and their marching bands, pie-eating contests and quilt shows, tractor exhibits and neon-lit carnival rides.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 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

And just when I’m sure I’m about to die, all the neon lights start spinning like some nightmare carnival tornado.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

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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