as in amusing
given to good-natured joking or teasing
the little girl was lighthearted and playful
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 playful
Playtime With Peppa Pig – Jump into Peppa’s world with a collection of playful activities.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026
Today’s anything-goes, zero-sum war for attention ignores the lessons learned in the Golden Age of advertising in the 1960s, when brands were sold with thoughtful, artistic, wise and playful takes on the human condition.
—Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
For a playful spin, swap the classic bolster pillow for a trio of disc pillows.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026
July 23 – August 22 A wide horizon calls your playful attention.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for playful
Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026
Today’s anything-goes, zero-sum war for attention ignores the lessons learned in the Golden Age of advertising in the 1960s, when brands were sold with thoughtful, artistic, wise and playful takes on the human condition.
—Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
For a playful spin, swap the classic bolster pillow for a trio of disc pillows.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026
July 23 – August 22 A wide horizon calls your playful attention.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for playful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful
Adjective
-
That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
But Flynn also oozes sniveling self-righteousness while hotly defending and petitioning for childhood innocence (amusing hints emerge that the daughter is a somewhat lazy and dim underachiever).—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Fierce in expression but controlled in form, the 1959 LP draws out a rootsy warmth from beneath the bebop that had consumed bandstands since World War II, forging a sound that feels at once confrontational, mischievous, and generous.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Pitchfork,
4 Apr. 2026
-
And then, a massive, mischievous grin.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Given the final score, the announcers may have found the most entertaining action in the ballpark that night.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Maul and Devon's relationship is an entertaining tug-of-war; Lawson is a caf-loving lawman best described as well-meaning, but out of his element; and the inevitable arrival of Imperial forces (including two Inquisitors) quickly threatens disaster for both sides.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Family discussions will be lively.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
By night, Ora’s lemon-yellow booths and terrazzo-crazy paving become a lively setting for Greco-Italian chef Ettore Botrini’s accessible but accomplished menu.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Mau's reckless band of merry men inevitably leave a trail of bodies in their wake, leading police captain Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) to investigate the criminal takeover of Janix.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Petrie, Doz and Morrow play multiple roles, including a gossipy Greek chorus and the band of merry fisherman (truly an astonishing array of Canadian accent work on display).—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
With respect to any of the real deaths on display in the 1978 Faces of Death, the movie is mostly just goofy.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Things go from bad to worse when cast member Kam Patterson shows up with a goofy notion of his own.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Moustache joined my plump tortoiseshell Toffee, the progeny of frisky barn cats, an elderly rabbit rescued from neglect, and my best friend Bacon, a good dog adopted from Lifeline Puppy Rescue years before.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Founded in 2016 by Will Braden, CatVideoFest is a compilation of the latest and best cat videos, meaning the ones in which felines are adorable, frisky or getting into some kind of amusing trouble.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Outside of work, Porter loves to spend time with his wife and very energetic 2 year old son.—
Greg Porter,
San Francisco Chronicle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Smith was bubbly and energetic, loved by her family and friends at Highland Park Academy, Maddox said.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
