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

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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 Both versions feature a warm opaline dial and come on a double-tour calfskin strap offered in white, light beige, dark beige, burgundy, fuchsia purple, or classic blue, allowing the watch’s playful character to be personalized to the wearer. — Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 The name has an elegant, European feel but also playful, accessible nicknames like Freddy and Fred to keep it grounded. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026 Leo July 23 – August 22 Creative sparks feel playful and generous now. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026 Doughnut Bundt Nutmeg is the secret ingredient that makes this playful Bundt taste just like a cake doughnut. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful

Adjective

They’ve been assembled for a brain-breaker of a misfired melodrama, at first darkly amusing, before plunging headlong into soap opera-style twists and a general sense of heavy depression that no one can shake.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
The obsessive neat freak beneath the easygoing surface of the virtue-signaling feminist ally might have made an amusing motif if it were ever referenced again.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

Palestinian children could be ordinary children—bored, mischievous, happy, alive.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Homer, of course, is perhaps the most lovable dimwit ever created, and his dynamic with Bart — the quick-to-anger suburban dad, the innocently mischievous adolescent son — is pure Americana.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

Hals was lively and irreverent; Rembrandt dealt with subjects altogether more weighty.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Sep. 2026
The playful cherry design introduces a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the deep glittery brown, adding a whimsical flair that keeps the overall look fresh and lively.

— Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

The hotel itself is staffed by a small but merry cadre of Lost Boys whose endearing mix of irreverence and can-doism gives the hotel its cool, devil-may-care personality.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Rounding up his merry men of Sherwood Forest, and his Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland), Robin goes about resisting John’s rule and securing Richard’s throne.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 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

The smart money was on the colorful, energetic Sinclair with a ready answer and the catchy acronym.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
But the last two decades have been filled with challenges for McClatchy, whose chain of newspapers across the Central Valley and beyond was once known for its energetic journalism and independent streak.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of energetic

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 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of playful

adjective

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