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 Kids zip by on bikes, their playful banter a reminder that life marches on. — Michael Collins, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The actress, 40, was a style icon of the 1990s and 2000s, rocking ‘fits with colors and patterns that were always bold, playful and expressive. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Where the story goes from there should be left for audiences to discover on their own, but thanks to Mirren’s captivating and playful performance as Highsmith, A Talent For Murder becomes an unexpected way to honor her legacy. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 Hawkins New York Cork Coasters (Set of 4) Shopping director Lori Keong’s playful puzzle coasters are at a discount. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful

Adjective

American style can be at turns confounding, amusing, and aspirational.

— Luis Alberto Rodriguez, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
Morgan Stanley’s Lisa Shalett and her team produced this amusing chart showing year-over-year percentage growth in tech capex, compared with the same for the dotcom bubble era.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

The newer wing added additional living and entertaining spaces, including a handmade kitchen designed with GP & J Baker Interiors, a summer kitchen, a glass sunroom, and a dining area that opens through French doors to the pool terrace.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
The robotic races and other flashy events provide for an entertaining spectacle that can lead to easy news headlines and viral video clips.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of entertaining

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

So when Billie and Issa get an actual offer for drinks with two firefighters who come to the house, Billie puts on a goofy British accent à la Issa and turns them down, choosing a quiet night at home with her friend instead.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
That was therapeutic for these professional dancers who got to be silly and goofy, but confidently.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 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

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of playful

adjective

Example Sentences

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