PLAYFULNESS Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

playfulness

noun

as in mischief

a natural disposition for playful behavior the playfulness of the kitten can be quite amusing

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of playfulness The Kukka chandelier by Sarah Sherman Samuel for Lulu and Georgia adds a touch of playfulness to the living room, which is located in the original 1930s Spanish-style part of the home. — Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026 Leaving out the outrageous persona, the eye-grabbing iconography, and the sizzling live shows, his musical restlessness and playfulness generated albums that were and are appointment listening. — Michaelangelo Matos, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 To add to the playfulness, beach balls were also tossed about during up-tempo songs. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 Lightening the darkness of the story in the early scenes are the playfulness, banter and sexiness Lou and James. — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 There is a playfulness about him in the eyes and at the corners of his mouth. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Gemini May 21 – June 20 Deep feelings meet a spark of playfulness. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026 Such playfulness online can make a business — particularly a smaller one — appear more relatable to younger audiences. — David MacK, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 Affection, physical touch, flirting and playfulness become less frequent, replaced by stress, conflict and growing resentment. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness

Noun

Bucking Fastard, Werner Herzog’s first fiction film since 2019, belongs to a hallowed lineage of cinema about weird gals getting into mischief.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
For a curious cat or dog, a quick nibble or brush against the wrong bloom can turn a little botanical mischief into a serious medical emergency.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

Instead, Audi has built something that works remarkably well as everyday transportation while keeping a substantial reserve of mischievousness for those moments when an empty stretch of road appears.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s.

— Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026

Definition of mischievousness

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playfully

playfulness

playgirl

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“Playfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playfulness. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of playfulness

noun

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