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 Or, for a more playful approach, try amping up the old Hollywood glamour. — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Online, Firstman’s personality can come off playful or caustic, depending on how generous the viewer is feeling. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026 The looks were topped with more fringes, feathers and crystal embroideries, as seen on playful handbags and novelty charm jewelry. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 The Pisces Moon in your finance zone squares your ruler Uranus in your playful 5th house, making spontaneous plans, tickets, hobbies, or treats harder to resist. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 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
  • Affleck had a particularly amusing — and maybe slightly awkward — anecdote to share when asked about seeking directorial advice from the British Oscar winner.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • That might have been an amusing legal omission when the question was theoretical.
    — Jonathan Flora OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of amusing
Adjective
  • The pig, always a bit mischievous, would often eat the dog’s food and hang out with the alpacas.
    — Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Mykal-Michelle Harris from Raven’s Home guest stars as Ruby, a mischievous moon imp who tricks Vee.
    — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This deeply entertaining and emotional film never skirts the scientific process, but instead fully embraces it at every turn.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of entertaining
Adjective
  • Why, those teeming crowds just outside the shows are their own lively scene, filled with exciting, unexpected, and downright inspired takes on what’s happening in fashion.
    — Phil Oh, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Echo Theater Company’s ambitious production brings lively design and a volatile cast to the stage, but an unfocused script and feverish direction overwhelm the story.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • The friendly staff, who wear black uniforms with lettering that identifies their duties add to the hotel’s merry atmosphere.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This is a place where adults make the pilgrimage to the legendary Pinto Ron and Pizza Pete tailgate spot in the Hammer Lot where Pinto Ron's team of merry pranksters pour shots of liquor into a bowling ball finger hole.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • The only player who can match Mbappé for talent is Haaland who, unlike Mbappé, has a goofy, accessible and affable persona online.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But his firmly comedic approach, primarily filtered through goofy ironic commentary in the tradition of Monty Python, makes the specificity of his survey go down smoothly.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of goofy
Adjective
  • Laced with Horgan’s signature combination of unsparing honesty and sparkling wit, Youth is a fleet and frisky reminder that growing into yourself is a lifelong endeavor.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Black Crowes broke out with a frisky cover of this Otis Redding tune just as hair metal was giving way to grunge.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of frisky
Adjective
  • In the current Mexican scene, Emjay is one of the best live performers, known for her energetic and emotional shows.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This is the most energetic and exciting premiere of Survivor in a long time.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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