playful

play·ful

adjective \ˈplā-fəl\

Definition of PLAYFUL

1

: full of play : frolicsome, sportive <a playful kitten>

2

: humorous, jocular

— play·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— play·ful·ness noun

Examples of PLAYFUL

1. She's an old dog, but she's still very playful.
2. He had a playful expression on his face.
3. a playful tone of voice
4. You're certainly in a playful mood!
5. She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.

First Known Use of PLAYFUL

13th century

Related to PLAYFUL

Synonyms

antic, coltish, elfish, fay, frisky, frolicsome, larky, rollicking, sportful, sportive

Antonyms

earnest, serious-minded, sober, sobersided

Related Words

coy, kittenish; gay, happy, lighthearted, whimsical; energetic, frolic, jocund, lively, merry, spirited, sprightly, spunky, vivacious; devilish, impish, knavish, mischievous, pixie (also pixy), rascally, roguish; amusing, diverting, enjoyable, entertaining, fun, pleasurable; dabbling, frivolous, goofy, silly, trifling; delightful, pleasant, pleasing; jesting, jocose, jocular, joking, prankish, teasing

Near Antonyms

dutiful, responsible; grave, grim, serious, solemn, somber (or sombre), stern, stolid; no-nonsense, priggish, starchy, stuffy; decorous, formal, proper, sedate, staid; guarded, inhibited, restrained