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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of playful
The set, which found an enthusiastic worldwide audience with its playful disco sheen during the COVID-19 lockdown, won best pop vocal album at the Grammys in 2021.
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Thomas Smith, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024
As the ladies settle in and gather for lunch, casual pleasantries quickly give way to playful shade—par for the course with this group.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
These giftable kicks are playful, affordable and will look great under your tree this year.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
The whimsical look is a continuation of Rae and Allen’s playful style experimentation for an evolving pop protégé.
—Vogue, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for playful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful
Adjective
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Other videos don’t end so super—with a range of different crashes resulting, which may seem amusing to watch.Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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Additional viewers found the segment to be amusing, with several enjoying the Port Authority joke.Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Plenty of TikTok users lauded Zola's mischievous behavior and highlighted her lack of remorse.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
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In the series, the mischievous Cat and his sidekick, the ever-cautious Fish, strike out on kooky adventures that feature alphabet song sing-a-longs, tremendous tongue-twisters, and wondrous wordplay.Spenser Mestel, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Big-batch recipes are not only a foolproof entertaining trick, but those big, beautiful bowls filled with punch look impressive too.Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
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Develop a cohesive plan that focuses on deploying the infrastructure to make the experience more engaging, informative and entertaining.Tamara Bebb, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Some areas, such as L.A.’s Fashion District, remain lively, but the inescapable realities of homelessness, mental illness and drug use keep many visitors and businesses away.Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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According to Wolman, there's a lively debate about which Scottsdale location is better.Reia Li, The Arizona Republic, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Whether you’re drawn to a whimsical Fair Isle pattern or want something a bit more merry and bright, there’s a Walmart ugly Christmas sweater out there for you.Shea Simmons, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
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Whether for a grand occasion like a wedding or a simpler celebration like a kid’s birthday party, there’s no denying the joy that comes with a thoughtful piece of paper that’s been stuffed into an envelope, stamped, and sent on its merry, snail-mail way.Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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After all, these goofy buddy comedies aren’t really for the critics, right?Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
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But that’s like the goofiest (expletive) move in the history of the UFC.Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This adaptation is especially significant given the energetic limitations of the deep sea; by luring prey rather than actively hunting, the anglerfish minimizes energy expenditure—a critical advantage in a resource-scarce ecosystem.Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
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Bleachers, the energetic pop band led by Taylor Swift producer Jack Antonoff, played Connecticut a few months ago at the Soundside Festival in Bridgeport, joining that festival when Queens of the Stone Age had to drop off the bill.Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But its episodic nature stays frisky, weird and unpredictable throughout.Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
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Finland has a reputation for being frisky and has the will to make any game more interesting.Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 4 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near playful
Cite this Entry
“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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