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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.

Each week, Cudi will sit down with a mix of unexpected guests for wide-ranging, playful conversations that uncover new sides of both his guests and himself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In South Korea, a playful green cartoon dinosaur named Dooly, known for the two small tufts of hair on his head, has been a favorite for generations.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Sokolov’s eye for visual flair brings some much-needed panache to this well-worn formula, but even his playful directorial spirit isn’t enough to shake the feeling that one has seen this film before.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Is Mr. Clark being playful here, or is he in earnest?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

She’s grinning wide and has a playful glint in her eye.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.