Synonyms for

Juvenile

Verb / ˈdʒu:vʌnʌl / / ˈdʒu:vʌˌnaɪl / Another word for juvenile — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to young people; immature or childish

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • juvenile delinquency
  • juvenile court
  • juvenile offender
  • juvenile justice
  • juvenile detention
  • juvenile crime
  • juvenile record

Word family

adjective juvenile
adverb juvenilely

Usage note

While 'juvenile' can refer to any young person, it often carries a negative connotation, especially when used to describe behavior or legal matters. It is sometimes used humorously to describe immature adult behavior.

Example sentences

  1. The juvenile detention center houses young offenders.
  2. Her juvenile behavior is not appropriate for someone her age.
  3. The juvenile delinquent was caught stealing from a store.
  4. The zoo has a new exhibit featuring juvenile animals.
  5. The teacher assigned a juvenile fiction book for the class to read.

Quotes

  • The juvenile sea squirt wanders through the sea searching for a suitable rock or hunk of coral to cling to and make its home for life. For this task, it has a rudimentary nervous system. When it finds its spot and takes root, it doesn't need its brain anymore so it eats it! - Daniel Dennett
  • I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action. - Tennessee Williams
  • The Glass Menagerie

Try these popular words

Explore more words