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 In the next slide, the lovebirds posed for a selfie together as Culkin looks at Song with a playful smile on his face. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 The name refers to a male coming-of-age ritual, but the analog methods the duo used, in part, suggest a return to something past and playful, perhaps childlike—though the music shows maturation overall. — Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 Maine coons have become popular for their playful, sociable reputation, distinctive chirps and trills and their deep roots in New England history. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 During this time, Wareheim — who played the epicurean Arnold opposite his real-life foodie friend Aziz Ansari on Netflix’s Master of None — also became a best-selling cookbook author with the playful Foodheim. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful

Adjective

The oysters and the pretzels are amusing moments, but the real tension comes as the group are just sitting and talking.

— Deadline, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
The format was an amusing detour as the crowd heard from Shiflett (No Use for a Name), Jaffee (The Wallflowers), Mendel (Sunny Day Real Estate), Smear (The Germs) and Rubin (The New Regime).

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

For the kooky, mischievous and not-often-sober Shifty Gruff, Sheen was always the number one choice.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
As mischievous, myth-making Grandpa Walton, Will Geer endeared viewers with his warm and relatable approach to the character.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

In addition to 84 feet of ocean-bluff frontage, the grounds hold the aforementioned courtyard lap pool and lily pond, along with a large grassy lawn ideal for entertaining, a viewing pergola, and a motor court with room for up to a dozen cars.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026
Everyone deserves equal access to info in entertaining events just like State Fair.

— Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of entertaining

Adjective

Back at the hotel, rotating art, live performances, wellness programming, and seasonal events keep things lively.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
People have flocked there from California, Washington and Oregon, taking advantage of Boise's lower cost of living, relatively mild winters, and lively outdoor scene.

— CJ Haddad,Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

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
Fortune’s intrepid tech editor, Alexei Oreskovic, and his merry band of reporters will carry on in my absence.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of merry

Adjective

Mason was funny, goofy and crazy in all the right ways; he will be remembered for singing and dancing around the house with a wide smile on his face and a skip in his step.

— Matt Schooley, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
If the movie is more goofy than profound, that may be the point.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of goofy

Adjective

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
The biggest question for those debating whether to see this frisky and original rom-com starring San Francisco native Monica Barbaro and British of-the-moment actor Callum Turner might well be its preposterous premise.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of frisky

Adjective

Both bands, originating from the Chicagoland area, delivered energetic sets to an enthusiastic crowd.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 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 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of playful

adjective

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