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
This is why researchers agree that intentional playfulness should be a priority.
—
Mark Travers, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025
But with all that being said, New Village Arts’ production is a likable, amusing and earnest staging with four ebullient actors directed with playfulness and energy by Desireé Clarke Miller.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Her rats' playfulness motivated her and eased feeling of loneliness, while her cats' soothing weight on her chest calmed her anxiety.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
The film is alive with stylistic playfulness.
—Leila Latif, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Bold geometric motifs, warm earthy hues like ochre, avocado green, and deep browns, plus textured fabrics such as velvet, shag rugs, and macramé wall hangings all add a sense of playfulness and comfort.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Despite having just one tooth between them, their bond shines with affection and playfulness.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
But dog owners overwhelmingly said that loyalty is the most desirable personality trait, followed by friendliness, playfulness, and cuddliness.
—Sarah Scanlan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
With rich textures like burgundy abrasivato leather and cream crepe de chine, AW25 strikes a balance between elegance and playfulness.
—Essence, 25 Aug. 2025
Mark Travers, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025
But with all that being said, New Village Arts’ production is a likable, amusing and earnest staging with four ebullient actors directed with playfulness and energy by Desireé Clarke Miller.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Her rats' playfulness motivated her and eased feeling of loneliness, while her cats' soothing weight on her chest calmed her anxiety.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
The film is alive with stylistic playfulness.
—Leila Latif, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Bold geometric motifs, warm earthy hues like ochre, avocado green, and deep browns, plus textured fabrics such as velvet, shag rugs, and macramé wall hangings all add a sense of playfulness and comfort.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Despite having just one tooth between them, their bond shines with affection and playfulness.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
But dog owners overwhelmingly said that loyalty is the most desirable personality trait, followed by friendliness, playfulness, and cuddliness.
—Sarah Scanlan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
With rich textures like burgundy abrasivato leather and cream crepe de chine, AW25 strikes a balance between elegance and playfulness.
—Essence, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
-
The punishment verdict comes one day after jurors found Raunaq Alam guilty of criminal mischief but not a hate crime for spray-painting anti-Israel graffiti on a wall at the Uncommon Church in Euless.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives largely focused on Paul's relationships and role as a mother, and also documented her troubles with the law in February 2023, when she was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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 16 Sep. 2025.
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