as in mischief
a natural disposition for playful behavior
the playfulness of the kitten can be quite amusing
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Recent Examples of playfulness
Others will tell you that the day and its playfulness were inspired by an Egyptian legend.
—
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
For example, when Les unleashes the couple's cat Magoo on Lindy, Banks expected a certain level of playfulness.
—Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Part of what makes Schiaparelli’s work still feel relevant is its wit and playfulness.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
Anxieties about overconsumption and environmental degradation lie beneath the playfulness.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
As an actor, Lena Maria approaches each role with curiosity, playfulness, and sincere commitment.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
The sleek style allowed the playfulness of Buckley’s pink-and-red Chanel ensemble to shine.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
From artwork and textiles to throw pillows and statues, there are endless ways to incorporate the natural playfulness and charm animals offer.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
The hotel-crisp percale is made even more dignified with a thick blue stripe around its border, giving a plain white duvet insert a sense of playfulness and occasion.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
For example, when Les unleashes the couple's cat Magoo on Lindy, Banks expected a certain level of playfulness.
—Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Part of what makes Schiaparelli’s work still feel relevant is its wit and playfulness.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
Anxieties about overconsumption and environmental degradation lie beneath the playfulness.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
As an actor, Lena Maria approaches each role with curiosity, playfulness, and sincere commitment.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
The sleek style allowed the playfulness of Buckley’s pink-and-red Chanel ensemble to shine.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
From artwork and textiles to throw pillows and statues, there are endless ways to incorporate the natural playfulness and charm animals offer.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
The hotel-crisp percale is made even more dignified with a thick blue stripe around its border, giving a plain white duvet insert a sense of playfulness and occasion.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
-
Four other charges in that case — including assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child — were dismissed with prejudice, the records show.—
Meriam Bouarrouj,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Christopher Nastasa, 39, was arrested on 19 charges, including robbery, assault, petit larceny and criminal mischief as hate crimes, for the March 17 attack, according to police.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Playfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playfulness. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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