as in mischief
a natural disposition for playful behavior the playfulness of the kitten can be quite amusing
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Example Sentences
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 Much of the time is spent interacting with young schoolchildren, with whom Galifianakis exhibits a deadpan playfulness — testing them on names of apple varieties (McIntosh? —
Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 That playfulness has manifested in audiences seeing a different side of Probst — from him rapping a tribe swap reveal to doing impressions of three players (including Christian Hubicki, who was sitting just feet away) at a tribal council. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 But truthfully, in terms of the playfulness online, it was actually just driven by playfulness. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026 Known for her playfulness, Winter once even stole a package off the porch moments after Blaisdell delivered it — the mischief that inspired him to start documenting their encounters. —Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 This was an environment filled with adolescent energy and playfulness, but also an undertone of support. —Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026 Cat-eye and chrome gives the dark colors a lustrous, molten-metal sheen, while 3D details and negative space cutouts add an unexpected playfulness. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026 From brands like Rolex I’m expecting a bit more playfulness, especially in the color direction—nothing too radical in terms of form but enough to get people talking. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2026 Hitchcock's visual style continues to blossom here, with more camera movement than ever and inventive playfulness with perspective and point of view. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 That playfulness has manifested in audiences seeing a different side of Probst — from him rapping a tribe swap reveal to doing impressions of three players (including Christian Hubicki, who was sitting just feet away) at a tribal council. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 But truthfully, in terms of the playfulness online, it was actually just driven by playfulness. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026 Known for her playfulness, Winter once even stole a package off the porch moments after Blaisdell delivered it — the mischief that inspired him to start documenting their encounters. —Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 This was an environment filled with adolescent energy and playfulness, but also an undertone of support. —Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026 Cat-eye and chrome gives the dark colors a lustrous, molten-metal sheen, while 3D details and negative space cutouts add an unexpected playfulness. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026 From brands like Rolex I’m expecting a bit more playfulness, especially in the color direction—nothing too radical in terms of form but enough to get people talking. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2026 Hitchcock's visual style continues to blossom here, with more camera movement than ever and inventive playfulness with perspective and point of view. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playfulness
Noun
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Loki Loki is the Norse god of mischief and he’s known as a trickster—sometimes for good, sometimes a bit more devious.— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 11 Apr. 2026
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Following the 2023 arrest, Paul was given misdemeanor charges of assault, criminal mischief and commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child.— Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.— Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
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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.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/playfulness. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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