as in mischief
a natural disposition for playful behavior
the playfulness of the kitten can be quite amusing
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Recent Examples of playfulness
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
The interiors are modern, elegant, and sophisticated, yet with our artwork thoughtfully placed, there’s a sense of playfulness and a touch of whimsy throughout.
—Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
Still, the moon in Sagittarius adds a layer of playfulness and possibility to the mix.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Plus, adding a little fizz lends an element of playfulness and visual appeal.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
In Quattrone and Isabella Lim’s renovation of the 14th-century château, the counter stools create a sense of playfulness among cabinetry by Plain English in a kitchen dating to 1350.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
There was already this sort of more classical literary style and these more ornate sentences that are doing three different things at once, and some of the playfulness and the provocative and the prurient and the spiritual kind of call to care for the least of the people.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
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
The interiors are modern, elegant, and sophisticated, yet with our artwork thoughtfully placed, there’s a sense of playfulness and a touch of whimsy throughout.
—Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
Still, the moon in Sagittarius adds a layer of playfulness and possibility to the mix.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Plus, adding a little fizz lends an element of playfulness and visual appeal.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
In Quattrone and Isabella Lim’s renovation of the 14th-century château, the counter stools create a sense of playfulness among cabinetry by Plain English in a kitchen dating to 1350.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
There was already this sort of more classical literary style and these more ornate sentences that are doing three different things at once, and some of the playfulness and the provocative and the prurient and the spiritual kind of call to care for the least of the people.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
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Mom was hit with a felony charge of criminal mischief and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
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Schuman now faces a felony count of robbery by sudden snatching in addition to three misdemeanors — one count of battery, one count of petit theft and one count of criminal mischief, court records show.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 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
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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 23 May. 2026.
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