as in playful
given to good-natured joking or teasing
a sportive pastor who began every sermon with a joke
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sportive
The woozy, choppily edited party sequence, featuring lots of handheld, cellphone-style footage and glassy slow-motion interludes, clearly illustrates the camaraderie and profound affection between the five main characters, who tease and tickle one another like sportive, overgrown puppies.
—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sportive
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sportive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sportive
playful
Adjective
-
The high-quality dress can be worn all summer long, in playful hues like white and green.
-
Beaded sandals, in particular, strike a balance between statement-making and approachable, offering the same playful energy as the season’s beaded jewelry and bags without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul.
Cite this Entry
“Sportive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sportive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
