Definitions

playful

[pley-fuhl] / ˈpleɪ fəl /

ADJECTIVE

funny, fun-loving

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful comical flirtatious frisky good-natured impish joking lighthearted lively mischievous spirited sprightly tongue-in-cheek whimsical

WEAK

antic blithe coltish elvish feeling one's oats frolicsome full of pep gamesome gay jaunty jesting jocund joyous merry mirthful prankish puckish rollicking snappy sportive teasing vivacious waggish zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic behaved depressed dispirited grave inactive lazy lethargic lifeless sad serious unhappy

WEAK

humorless working

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Howletts said the youngsters were becoming "increasingly bold and playful" as they explore their surroundings.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

We’d never gotten to see them sit next to each other and be playful and dance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The backlash was playful, but it reflected something real about the mood of the city.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

The maturity it takes to confront big interpersonal problems is rare - but it's also a hallmark of Le Sserafim's take on K-pop, which mixes serious self-awareness with playful absurdity.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

His girls were playful, wistful, always dancing across the house, jumping from bed to bed, singing with feigned vibrato, swooning.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Vocabulary lists containing playful

In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions

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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 6

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Tone and Point of View, List 2

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