Synonyms
Examples of playful in a Sentence
She's an old dog, but she's still very playful.
He had a playful expression on his face.
a playful tone of voice
You're certainly in a playful mood!
She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.
Recent Examples on the Web
Be thoughtful and playful with glassware, garnishes, ice, straws, etc.
—
Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
For an even more playful take on this era, make paper snowflakes and ornaments to hang around the home.
—Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2023
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The Artful Dodger
The Bottom Line A lightly playful take that neglects its literary pedigree.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2023
And each one is presented with a playful 70s retro aesthetic.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023
Those playful idiots from outer space are starting to pack up their spacecraft, getting ready to leave for good.
—Heather Havrilesky, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023
The depth and range of flavors from Africa are finding their way into the mainstream spotlight more and more—from the playful jollof rice wars to a growing interest in tasting more of the global cuisine at restaurants.
—Kristin Braswell, Essence, 16 Nov. 2023
The two shared an appreciation for effortless fashion, and Brown, known for her playful ease, especially admired Parisian style.
—Megan O'Sullivan, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023
The decision would give the Lily Collins show a unique and playful vibe impossible to recreate anywhere else as well as provide a degree of authenticity.
—Caroline Brew, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023
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Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
For an even more playful take on this era, make paper snowflakes and ornaments to hang around the home.
—Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2023
Streaming Deals on Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video and More Streaming Services
The Artful Dodger
The Bottom Line A lightly playful take that neglects its literary pedigree.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2023
And each one is presented with a playful 70s retro aesthetic.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023
Those playful idiots from outer space are starting to pack up their spacecraft, getting ready to leave for good.
—Heather Havrilesky, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023
The depth and range of flavors from Africa are finding their way into the mainstream spotlight more and more—from the playful jollof rice wars to a growing interest in tasting more of the global cuisine at restaurants.
—Kristin Braswell, Essence, 16 Nov. 2023
The two shared an appreciation for effortless fashion, and Brown, known for her playful ease, especially admired Parisian style.
—Megan O'Sullivan, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023
The decision would give the Lily Collins show a unique and playful vibe impossible to recreate anywhere else as well as provide a degree of authenticity.
—Caroline Brew, Variety, 15 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'playful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of playful was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near playful
Cite this Entry
“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playful. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on playful
Nglish: Translation of playful for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of playful for Arabic Speakers
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