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 Grab it black, grey, and white, or opt for creamy orange or lime green for a playful pop of color. — Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2026 The BellaBot Pro, a cat-like delivery robot, with an interactive screen that displays playful facial expressions, was also among the highlights. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026 Bomber jackets can easily make dresses feel more casual for everyday, while sporty windbreakers and puffers offer a playful, unexpected contrast over delicate midi and maxi dresses. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026 One image shows a side view of the cut, featuring a playful swoop that falls just above her shoulders, while another captures a sideways selfie showcasing the sleek style, accessorized with a white ribbon choker. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 3 Nov. 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
  • Even at their most disturbing, scenes describing carnage tend to be colorful and amusing.
    — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The most amusing part was a script, set to reinstall QQMusic and Ximalaya—two Chinese-market media subscription apps—plus an app store if they were ever found missing.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of amusing
Adjective
  • The suit attempted to relitigate the eligibility of a mischievous independent Senate candidate who shares the same first and last name as the Republican incumbent, Dan Sullivan.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Her dancers contort and gyrate not only to music but to the mischievous natter of recorded dialogue, to the sound of wind and the hiss and lurch of a train.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • Sportico was first to report that Walter, who is the subject of an ongoing federal probe, was entertaining offers for Cadillac F1.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The vestibule flows into an open living and entertaining pavilion.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of entertaining
Adjective
  • Common areas also include a lively lobby bar and cigar room for pours and puffs, respectively, as well as an impressive wine list with bottles sourced from all over the world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That was the message behind a lively conversation at The Chef Assembly in Charlotte, a two-day gathering of leading chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and hospitality professionals to explore conversations shaping the restaurant industry.
    — Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • Festive treats, cheery decor, and a few very-merry gift ideas—all at a bargain.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Musicians, actresses, and models have proven that more rings are always merrier.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of merry
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
Adjective
  • This lunar event shifts the energetic landscape significantly.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the Andrés group is back with an equally glamorous restaurant, one that highlights aged steaks in an energetic and theatrical setting.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of energetic

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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 8 Nov. 2026.

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