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 Fresh off her victory, Fudd issued a playful request for a rematch with Golden State Warriors guard StephenCurry. — Doug Feinberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026 The pancake feels like a perfect example of that philosophy, playful, indulgent, and layered with the kind of attention that turns a late night craving into one of the city’s most memorable brunch dishes. — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026 An Emily Henry novel announces warmth, wit, emotional accessibility, and optimism through bright palettes, graphic illustration, and playful typography. — Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Fresh off her victory, Fudd issued a playful request for Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry. — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful

Adjective

The wonky physics can't be too wonky, because janky controls can go from amusing to annoying pretty quickly.

— Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
There’s also plenty of family time captured, including an amusing bye week trip to Manhattan — complete with a subway trip — to watch two of Emily’s brothers run the New York Marathon.

— John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

Among the highlights is a double-height living room with a fireplace, a seated bar, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors spilling out to an expansive deck sporting a covered entertaining area, plus a pool and spa.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
This year has seen trends in soft yards and party patios, along with outdoor entertaining trends that incorporate seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.

— Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of entertaining

Adjective

Players have long complained about less-lively balls that force them to swing harder to hit them through the court.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
The pilot sets up interesting tensions between Duke and surrogate father Kingsley and a livelier adversarial role for Pinnock, but Kingsley is gone for the majority of the six episodes (out of eight) sent to critics and Pinnock’s absence is felt.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Definition of lively

Adjective

But Margaret and Alice’s quick-witted machinations provide the basis for a merry outing at the theater.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
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

Definition of merry

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

San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
These kinds of bursts travel faster than the energetic particles from a solar storm, and precede their arrival when shot towards Earth.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of playful

adjective

Example Sentences

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