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 Unlike the more open and playful internet of the 1990s, many people find today’s social media platforms intimidating. — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026 But the Lemme Skin Firm & Hydrating Gummy Rings, which will hit e-shelves on July 21, are something else altogether, and their uniqueness factor doesn’t come solely from that playful, nostalgic shape. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 July 2026 Add the playful pattern to your summer capsule wardrobe with this blue midi. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Her playful language scrambles to keep pace with a reality that forever outstrips it. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful

Adjective

Ritter, three separate times, called out the Legacy Lounge — which might not have been amusing to those who paid $225 for what was a free concert to everyone else.

— Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Christopher Nolan discussed the writing process for his upcoming epic The Odyssey during a new interview with BBC News, and shared an amusing anecdote about his son being unimpressed with the filmmaker’s various accolades.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

Eventually, Nguyen told me with a mischievous grin, Olive started improving itself, writing its own code and pushing over 30,000 updates.

— Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026
Advertisement Best of all is Deutch’s Gail, whose sunbeam demeanor barely conceals her flirty, mischievous side.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

Inside, a lively party plays out — a cacophony of voices, skin, shimmer, bottles, joy and hormones on repeat.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
From creators Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, the as-yet-untitled series follows Heidi (Banks), who is fresh off a messy divorce and sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

Four hundred years later, a merry band of scientists and entrepreneurs of mind-altering intoxicants are plunging even deeper into the diabolical by mechanizing DMT’s delivery via IV syringe pumps.

— Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026
No decision fatigue or awkward conversations to be had; the more, the merrier, baby!

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 July 2026

Definition of merry

Adjective

Dylan Mulvaney and Joe Locke get goofy at the world premiere after party for the new film Heartstopper Forever on July 14 in London.

— People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Don’t let his goofy nature fool you, though; Morman’s standing within the changing media landscape is a reflection of hard work.

— Nathan Lately, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of goofy

Adjective

Regardless of that, there’s much to enjoy including that Alfred-Batman relationship and the frisky one between Batman and Catwoman.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
If the Marbella Club is the grande dame of this Andalusian resort town, Puente Romano Marbella is its younger, friskier sister on the Golden Mile.

— Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026

Definition of frisky

Adjective

Munda, 19, has intermittently trained with the seniors over the past couple of seasons and the energetic midfielder is primed for a loan move in the new season.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026
In his view, our cognition, mood, and conscious experience reflect deeper energetic processes — down to the subcellular level.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of playful

adjective

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