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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.

There is playful debate over who does more nappies.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Memo Guerra’s honking jazz score adds an another playful layer of life — it’s the noise of a bizarro nightclub where the air shivers with eerie musical saws.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 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

The atmosphere was so playful and lively that it was hard for us kids to understand why everyone was actually there.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

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