playful 1 of 2

adjective

ˈplā-fəl How to pronounce playful (audio)
Definition of playfulnext
as in amusing
given to good-natured joking or teasing the little girl was lighthearted and playful

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

playfulness

2 of 2

noun

as in mischief
a natural disposition for playful behavior the playfulness of the kitten can be quite amusing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 playful
Adjective
Unlike the more open and playful internet of the 1990s, many people find today’s social media platforms intimidating. — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026 But the Lemme Skin Firm & Hydrating Gummy Rings, which will hit e-shelves on July 21, are something else altogether, and their uniqueness factor doesn’t come solely from that playful, nostalgic shape. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Noun
Retro Entertaining Features Bring an element of playfulness outdoors with retro entertaining features like bar carts, lawn games, or even a back porch bar. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026 Rowland’s sense of playfulness is also more evident in the artwork chosen for the space (subjects include a spa bathrobe in the common area and a weenie roast above the coffee condiments). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for playful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful
  1. amusing
  2. mischievous
  3. entertaining
  4. lively
  5. merry
  6. goofy
  7. frisky
  8. energetic
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
  • Eventually, Nguyen told me with a mischievous grin, Olive started improving itself, writing its own code and pushing over 30,000 updates.
    — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026
  • Advertisement Best of all is Deutch’s Gail, whose sunbeam demeanor barely conceals her flirty, mischievous side.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • Their ability to control possession and territory, while not always entertaining, is impressive.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The primary entertaining spaces are grand in scale, defined by soaring ceilings and walls of glass.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 July 2026
Definition of entertaining
Adjective
  • Inside, a lively party plays out — a cacophony of voices, skin, shimmer, bottles, joy and hormones on repeat.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
  • From creators Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, the as-yet-untitled series follows Heidi (Banks), who is fresh off a messy divorce and sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 July 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • 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
  • No decision fatigue or awkward conversations to be had; the more, the merrier, baby!
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of merry
Adjective
  • Dylan Mulvaney and Joe Locke get goofy at the world premiere after party for the new film Heartstopper Forever on July 14 in London.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • Don’t let his goofy nature fool you, though; Morman’s standing within the changing media landscape is a reflection of hard work.
    — Nathan Lately, Time, 14 July 2026
Definition of goofy
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
  • Munda, 19, has intermittently trained with the seniors over the past couple of seasons and the energetic midfielder is primed for a loan move in the new season.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • In his view, our cognition, mood, and conscious experience reflect deeper energetic processes — down to the subcellular level.
    — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of energetic

Browse Nearby Words

playfellows
playful
playfully
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Cite this Entry

“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of playful for Spanish Speakers

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