PLAYFUL Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

playful

adjective

ˈplā-fəl

Definition of playful

as in amusing

given to good-natured joking or teasing the little girl was lighthearted and playful

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The bell sleeves not only added further dimension to Ballerini’s dress but elevated the look with more playful fabric. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 His work is crisp, playful, and nostalgic, replicating the exact fonts and presentations of centuries-old stylings for businesses and public parks alike. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026 Both films are drenched with perverse subversions of romantic iconography to gleefully playful effect, right down to their respective Cupid and Prince Charming killer masks which look like they could have been crafted by the same person. — Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 Among millennials who’d done something playful in the past year, 92% spent money on it and 78% spent $100 or more. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful

Adjective

People love spy stories, but there is nothing amusing, or romantic, about this one.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
An outgoing transfer ban as well as a ban on signing new players would be quite amusing (although utterly unenforceable).

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

The company said the seasonal collection is intended for holiday entertaining, gifting and everyday snacking.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
At the highest tier, palaces and soaring residences allow even more space, privacy, and room for entertaining, creating a distinctly residential feel.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertaining

Adjective

Fashion brands have been experimenting with livelier and more unconventional footwear designs in general lately, and that means interesting uses of color.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
No changes to the dinos, but the lighting overall felt more lively and theatrical.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

Some Latinas are nerds, and some Latinas are quirky, and some of them are goofy and some of them are clumsy.

— Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The opening chase scene is gorgeously animated, the kind of sequence that makes Common Side Effects distinct visual style that is at once both goofy and realistic so mesmerizing to watch.

— Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of goofy

Adjective

If your palate isn’t feeling frisky, Cathay Pacific also offers a variety of Western and Asian dishes.

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs improved to 4-0 by holding off a frisky Las Vegas Raiders team, which entered their divisional matchup undefeated themselves.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of frisky

Browse Nearby Words

playfellows

playful

playfully

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“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of playful

adjective

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