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
One of the film’s standout moments — the early kidnapping sequence — captures that precision and playfulness.
—
Tiana Denicola, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
As for footwear, Kurt Geiger’s penchant for playfulness continues.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
That’s a very artistic sense of playfulness.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
Boxer Bold, athletic and full of life, Aries will naturally thrive with a Boxer’s high energy and playfulness.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Signs of mourning in felines are similar to those of humans, including spending more time alone, moving slowly, feeling depressed, and experiencing a decrease in appetite and playfulness.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
That playfulness and innocence is heard across the entirety of Puff of Smoke, but also delivered each night onstage by the band.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
The three together have an energy and playfulness otherwise absent from the increasingly dreary second season of Nobody Wants This, which turns into a show about being either too or not Jewish enough.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Courtesy of a recent makeover, the hotel has an air of sophistication with a dash of playfulness, as expressed well by the Tipsy Tea experience.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Tiana Denicola, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
As for footwear, Kurt Geiger’s penchant for playfulness continues.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
That’s a very artistic sense of playfulness.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
Boxer Bold, athletic and full of life, Aries will naturally thrive with a Boxer’s high energy and playfulness.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Signs of mourning in felines are similar to those of humans, including spending more time alone, moving slowly, feeling depressed, and experiencing a decrease in appetite and playfulness.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
That playfulness and innocence is heard across the entirety of Puff of Smoke, but also delivered each night onstage by the band.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
The three together have an energy and playfulness otherwise absent from the increasingly dreary second season of Nobody Wants This, which turns into a show about being either too or not Jewish enough.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Courtesy of a recent makeover, the hotel has an air of sophistication with a dash of playfulness, as expressed well by the Tipsy Tea experience.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
-
In this case, the cow’s curiosity (rather than any intent to cause mischief) created a memorable moment for both police and residents alike.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In April 2018, Johnson was arrested for criminal mischief.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 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 8 Jan. 2026.
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