as in amusing
given to good-natured joking or teasing
the little girl was lighthearted and playful
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 playful
Cockapoos, a hybrid of cocker spaniels and poodles, are known for their affectionate and playful nature.
—
Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Novelty, touch me surfaces, remarkable rich and playful colors livened up our buying prospects for fall.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
This neon green swimsuit is the epitome of all of these elements, with a playful cutout across the torso and a high-cut waist to flash some skin.
—Madison Yauger, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
As innocent and playful as most of the interactions between the fans were, Goggin felt the wider implications that the game carried seemed somewhat lost on his American counterparts.
—Dan Robson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for playful
Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Novelty, touch me surfaces, remarkable rich and playful colors livened up our buying prospects for fall.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
This neon green swimsuit is the epitome of all of these elements, with a playful cutout across the torso and a high-cut waist to flash some skin.
—Madison Yauger, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
As innocent and playful as most of the interactions between the fans were, Goggin felt the wider implications that the game carried seemed somewhat lost on his American counterparts.
—Dan Robson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for playful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful
Adjective
-
But Schreck’s play is approachable, entertaining, amusing and thought-provoking.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Some comments on social media call the prank funny and amusing, while others condemned it as immature and gross.—
Emily Forlini,
PCMAG,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Michelle Trachtenberg's fans are remembering her in one of her most mischievous roles.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Addressing his health issues and impact of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, the film showcases the central role music continues to play in Ozzy’s life, also proving his mischievous sense of humor remains resolutely intact, despite it all.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
She’s picked the side of being consistently entertaining.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2025
-
In With Love, Markle is joined by celebrity friends like Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, and Alice Waters, who share personal tips and tricks, as Markle showcases the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Stripes Everywhere Stripes are having a major design moment, proving that the lively pattern is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2025
-
The High Kings and Mary Black Palmer Auditorium, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy., New London A full evening of Irish music with vocalist Mary Black, lively traditional Irish band The High Kings plus Róisín O is being presented by The Kate but held at Connecticut College’s Palmer Auditorium.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Tristan’s on pigeon patrol, and a merry Christmas to all.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Tori Spelling's daughter didn't have the merriest of Christmases last year.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Plus, he’s got a natural and serious relationship to rap that makes even his goofiest songs really earnest.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
7 Mar. 2025
-
At one point, his girlfriend (played by Heidi Gardner) coaches him into posing using increasingly goofy directions, and Gillis delivers.—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The incubator’s space at the Mart quickly became an energetic locus for tech startups in Chicago and, just as importantly, gave the city’s nascent tech community a brand that was recognizable to Chicagoans outside the startup orbit as well as to funders and entrepreneurs in other cities.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Amaury is a bright, happy, and energetic boy in search of a family.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Elizabeth Tapia performed her Crocodile role with agile jumps and pirouettes while a half dozen Fish dancers performed a frisky conga line behind her.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
-
With some savvy buyout moves, maybe this Warriors team can be a frisky playoff out in the West.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share