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
Additional celebrities have used a floral shoe to add a burst of playfulness to their look or match an existing floral aesthetic in their outfit.
—
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
Her mom has documented her looks on Instagram, showing off her range and her playfulness (note her fake cast).
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
This blue green set brings out the best of the pearl playfulness.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 June 2026
Our version at Americana Kitchen brings together elegance and playfulness.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
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
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
Her mom has documented her looks on Instagram, showing off her range and her playfulness (note her fake cast).
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
This blue green set brings out the best of the pearl playfulness.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 June 2026
Our version at Americana Kitchen brings together elegance and playfulness.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
-
His girlfriend was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and petty criminal mischief.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
-
Cooper and his girlfriend were both arrested on domestic violence charges last Friday, with both being held on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief, according to Douglas County jail records.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s.—
Lily Goldberg,
Pitchfork,
13 June 2026
-
Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playfulness. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
