as in mischief
a natural disposition for playful behavior
the playfulness of the kitten can be quite amusing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 playfulness
While this might rankle a certain type of science fiction reader who expects rigorous world building and a straightforward plot, Unferth’s playfulness injects new life into some trusty old tropes that have calcified into clichés.
—
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Kitschy decor, decorative dinos, and artwork chosen by Felix echo the bedroom’s color story—and lend an appropriate dose of youthful playfulness.
—Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
Despite Goldstein living out his fantasy and their playfulness throughout the press tour so far, Lopez shut down dating rumors directly when she and Goldstein were asked by Savannah Guthrie on Today.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 2 June 2026
The portrait that has emerged from these instances is one of playfulness, but also intentionality.
—Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Andre Heimos and Allen Lucky Weaver bring playfulness to the love story of Tom Collins and Angel Schunard.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
That playfulness extended to the other guests, too.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
There’s a playfulness, there’s a twinkle in the eye, there’s a sort of tongue in the cheek to that sort of tradition.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
In an era where trust in leadership is at an all-time low, playfulness is a competitive advantage.
—Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Kitschy decor, decorative dinos, and artwork chosen by Felix echo the bedroom’s color story—and lend an appropriate dose of youthful playfulness.
—Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
Despite Goldstein living out his fantasy and their playfulness throughout the press tour so far, Lopez shut down dating rumors directly when she and Goldstein were asked by Savannah Guthrie on Today.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 2 June 2026
The portrait that has emerged from these instances is one of playfulness, but also intentionality.
—Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Andre Heimos and Allen Lucky Weaver bring playfulness to the love story of Tom Collins and Angel Schunard.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
That playfulness extended to the other guests, too.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
There’s a playfulness, there’s a twinkle in the eye, there’s a sort of tongue in the cheek to that sort of tradition.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
In an era where trust in leadership is at an all-time low, playfulness is a competitive advantage.
—Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
-
Court records show Varley was ultimately charged with criminal mischief and two counts of battery.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
-
The magic and mischief of Maradona The quality of Diego Maradona’s overall performance at the 1986 World Cup remains without parallel in the competition’s history.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playfulness. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
