as in amusing
given to good-natured joking or teasing
the little girl was lighthearted and playful
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of playful
Sculptural ceramic bowls filled with faux fruit make easy, playful centerpiece fillers.
—
Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2025
There’s a definitive roundup here, telling us how each player got there, and featuring highlights from each player’s speech — including Dave Parker’s son (David II) speaking on behalf of his dad, who recently passed away, plus Ichiro’s playful swipe at the one voter who didn’t vote for him).
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 28 July 2025
As the twins of the zodiac, Gemini parents are playful, adaptable, and quick on their feet.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
White, who goes by Baby J, was described by cousin Raven Jackson as sweet, playful and charismatic.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for playful
Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2025
There’s a definitive roundup here, telling us how each player got there, and featuring highlights from each player’s speech — including Dave Parker’s son (David II) speaking on behalf of his dad, who recently passed away, plus Ichiro’s playful swipe at the one voter who didn’t vote for him).
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 28 July 2025
As the twins of the zodiac, Gemini parents are playful, adaptable, and quick on their feet.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
White, who goes by Baby J, was described by cousin Raven Jackson as sweet, playful and charismatic.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for playful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playful
Adjective
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For two-thirds of the day, as the peloton rolled through Brittany, the majority of soundbites ranged from frivolous to downright amusing.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
-
The scene was more amusing than threatening — onlookers whipped out cell phone cameras to document the sight of horses traversing the grounds.—
Jim Newton,
Mercury News,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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But he was also known for his mischievous nature with teammates.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
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The cat's clumsy adventure quickly charmed viewers who recognized the mischievous nature of felines.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Over the past year, the entertaining expert’s wardrobe has received no shortage of heart eyes from me — her gold sandals, leopard print bag, and crochet sweater are just a few examples.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
25 July 2025
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The main level flows with intent: a gracious foyer and generous living room overlook the gardens, while a refined kitchen — complete with a butler’s pantry — anchors the space for effortless entertaining. Upstairs, three bedrooms offer surprising scale, with ample closet space and natural light.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal.—
Ronny Maye,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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At a time when personal expression and wellness are at the heart of home design, this equally grounding and lively shade couldn’t be more timely.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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The Lower East Side location is now home to Comal—a new, eclectic Mexican restaurant from chef Gaz Herbert, a Cuernavaca native—and the same downtown crowd seems to have found its merry way there.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
19 July 2025
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History doesn’t record whether this plea was met with a merry hail of fat envelopes or with silence.—
Daniel Seifert,
JSTOR Daily,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Just a lot of good places to take goofy selfies and places for the kids to run around.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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At first, Star Wars was a goofy space opera, entertaining and box office gold, but only really taken seriously by nerds.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Together, the data reveals different layers of the galaxy's structure and energetic processes, highlighted by bright gold light in the image.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
24 July 2025
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The image of a tiny hamster running endlessly on a spinning wheel has become an iconic part of owning these small, energetic animals.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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She’s created a few standout pieces, including a corset and minidress (there’s also a bodysuit and swimwear in a frisky leopard print and some faux leather bottoms), which are essentials in her own wardrobe.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
23 June 2025
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Wild & Company, the frisky, folksy Connecticut band, on the Telefunken Stage.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playful. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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