SPORTIVE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

sportive

adjective

ˈspȯr-tiv

Definition of sportive

as in playful

given to good-natured joking or teasing a sportive pastor who began every sermon with a joke

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of sportive On Sunday, as Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev competed for the men’s championship (with Djokovic prevailing in the end), another crew was present to take in the sportive scene. — Nick Remsen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023 That was true even in extremely endangered ones such as the northern sportive lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis) of which only 40 are known to exist, all within 12 square kilometers of Madagascar. — Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 1 June 2023 No President since has cultivated a beard in office; the last with any facial hair—a sportive handlebar mustache—was William Howard Taft, who left the White House in 1913. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025 The woozy, choppily edited party sequence, featuring lots of handheld, cellphone-style footage and glassy slow-motion interludes, clearly illustrates the camaraderie and profound affection between the five main characters, who tease and tickle one another like sportive, overgrown puppies. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sportive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sportive

playful

Adjective

The bar program is playful, colorful and communal — expect to see a little something for everyone.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
The playful exchange is the latest glimpse into the couple's famously candid relationship.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026