playful

adjective

ˈplā-fəl How to pronounce playful (audio)
Definition of playfulnext
as in amusing
given to good-natured joking or teasing the little girl was lighthearted and playful

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 playful Read More Part of Casetify’s early Black Friday sale, which offers up to 50 percent off select phone case styles, this Moonaries Illo case features playful artwork from the illustrator behind Mocha Cat. — Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026 In a very different and overall much more playful tone, another video played with Diesel, Saban, Illumination’s Chris Meledandri, producer Robbie Brenner, and Raz praising tonight’s honoree. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2026 In a dozen songs, Pavement managed to synthesize a few decades of rock history in a fashion that felt sophisticated but playful, irreverent but erudite. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026 This striped sweater has contrast coloring at the collar, hem, and top of the pocket, which gives it a playful touch without taking away its versatility. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful
  1. amusing
  2. mischievous
  3. entertaining
  4. lively
  5. merry
  6. goofy
  7. frisky
  8. energetic
Adjective
  • Social media users did not find this costume amusing, especially from someone so wealthy.
    — Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Even at their most disturbing, scenes describing carnage tend to be colorful and amusing.
    — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of amusing
Adjective
  • Bill Hader voices the titular character in the cartooned version, which revolves around the shenanigans that occur after a mischievous cat (donning a hat) arrives to cheer up two siblings who move to a new town.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Gosselaar rose to fame in the early ‘90s for his portrayal of the mischievous protagonist of Bayside High School.
    — Kaitlin Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • Something entertaining could tempt you this evening, especially if the offer makes enjoyment sound urgent.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • In any case, after a conversation dense with callbacks to Age of Ultron and past episodes, Ultron decides vengeance isn’t entertaining after all.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of entertaining
Adjective
  • Common areas also include a lively lobby bar and cigar room for pours and puffs, respectively, as well as an impressive wine list with bottles sourced from all over the world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That was the message behind a lively conversation at The Chef Assembly in Charlotte, a two-day gathering of leading chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and hospitality professionals to explore conversations shaping the restaurant industry.
    — Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • As the holiday season quickly approaches, Central Florida has no shortage of ways to feel merry and bright.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Festive treats, cheery decor, and a few very-merry gift ideas—all at a bargain.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • An alligator with a goofy sense of humor crawled through the back door of a North Carolina bagel shop, then stood at the front counter as if waiting to take someone’s order.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
  • His presence was transformative; Stewart made the goofiest, most easily disregarded TV franchise for nerds and nobodies into a work full of warmth and gravitas.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of goofy
Adjective
  • Still, the Bears might be feeling a bit frisky after that statement win.
    — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The songs are bursts of frisky jazz sax that circle around a sound that carries elements of rock music and other styles.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of frisky
Adjective
  • Laser cooling slowed the atoms, and evaporative cooling removed the most energetic ones, allowing the remaining atoms to form a condensate inside an optical dipole trap.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The energetic forward missed the first nine games of the season because of swelling in his left knee.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of energetic

Browse Nearby Words

playfellows
playful
playfully
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Cite this Entry

“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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