How to Use playful in a Sentence

playful

adjective
  • She gave him a light playful slap on the knee.
  • She's an old dog, but she's still very playful.
  • He had a playful expression on his face.
  • You're certainly in a playful mood!
  • Much of it is meant to be playful.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Bonus points for a playful tote.
    — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Think prep, with a playful twist.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The mood for the most part is playful at times.
    — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Fruity scents are playful, juicy, and sweet.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
  • Lead with heart — that’s what keeps love playful.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Her smile bloomed — full, amused and just this side of playful.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, this year’s most playful trend is all about sparkle and sass.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Her playful bob had a wet look, styled to the side to frame her face.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024
  • This is not just a playful hobby to him.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Pierson was very kind to them and playful with them.
    — Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a playful feel to how this album was made.
    — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Louis is known for his cheeky and playful nature.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Writing is that epic, and that playful at the same time.
    — Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • For a playful look, opt for cartoon-style hearts.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Keep it playful, and watch doors open with ease today.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026
  • Lucy, a playful 5-month-old dog, was last in line to see the vet.
    — Stephanie Casanova, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2022
  • There were no frills or playful moments.
    — Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This is a fun-loving, playful day!
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Complete the look with open-toed footwear for a playful touch.
    — Lindy Segal, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Front patch pockets add a playful, retro look.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
  • Paired with a round shape, these read as more classic than playful.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
  • These tactile styles are playful, plush, and oh-so-fun to wear.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024
  • The short cap sleeves are playful while the back hey-hole is a cute detail.
    — Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023
  • Bar snacks are less of a splurge and show a more playful side to the restaurant.
    — Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas News, 18 Sep. 2021
  • At the center is her sneaky-great voice, packed with playful coos and trills.
    — Spin Staff, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'playful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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