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Synonyms

frivolously

American  
[friv-uh-luhs-lee] / ˈfrɪv ə ləs li /

adverb

  1. in a way that is characterized by lack of seriousness, good sense, or any worthwhile purpose.

    He had an income comfortable enough that he could spend some of it frivolously and extravagantly.

    I'm not asking the question frivolously; I am in earnest.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of frivolously

frivolous ( def. ) + -ly

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.

Borrowers should avoid asking for an increase if they plan to spend frivolously with the extended line of credit, however, because that negates any attempt to improve their credit-utilization ratio.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

"Sometimes it's weighing the option, so I must ensure I've got money for the bus, but I can't just use it frivolously because I might need it for something else," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

Who else did the co-sponsor of the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act frivolously sue that year?

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2024

“We can’t throw things to space frivolously and say, ‘Well, if it doesn’t work, let’s build another one.’”

From Science Magazine • Aug. 10, 2022

He writes he’s not with Sien without thought, frivolously, but “in damned earnest.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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