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
  • An alligator with a goofy sense of humor crawled through the back door of a North Carolina bagel shop, then stood at the front counter as if waiting to take someone’s order.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
  • His presence was transformative; Stewart made the goofiest, most easily disregarded TV franchise for nerds and nobodies into a work full of warmth and gravitas.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of goofy
Adjective
  • Still, the Bears might be feeling a bit frisky after that statement win.
    — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The songs are bursts of frisky jazz sax that circle around a sound that carries elements of rock music and other styles.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of frisky
Adjective
  • Laser cooling slowed the atoms, and evaporative cooling removed the most energetic ones, allowing the remaining atoms to form a condensate inside an optical dipole trap.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The energetic forward missed the first nine games of the season because of swelling in his left knee.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of energetic

Browse Nearby Words

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 11 Nov. 2026.

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