The difference between Playful and Wanton

When used as adjectives, playful means liking play, prone to play frequently, such as a child or kitten, whereas wanton means undisciplined, unruly.


Wanton is also noun with the meaning: a pampered or coddled person.

Wanton is also verb with the meaning: to rove and ramble without restraint, rule, or limit.

check bellow for the other definitions of Playful and Wanton

  1. Playful as an adjective:

    liking play, prone to play frequently, such as a child or kitten; rather sportive.

    Examples:

    "Actually, we are pretty playful in our romantic life."

  2. Playful as an adjective:

    funny, humorous, jesting, frolicsome.

    Examples:

    "John is a playful fellow."

    "A party hat is a playful conical hat people wear at parties."

  3. Playful as an adjective:

    fun, recreational, not serious.

    Examples:

    "A brainteaser is a playful puzzle posed as a test of intelligence."

  4. Playful as an adjective:

    experimental.

    Examples:

    "He was a rather playful artist."

  1. Wanton as an adjective (archaic):

    Undisciplined, unruly; not able to be controlled.

  2. Wanton as an adjective (obsolete):

    Playful, sportive; merry or carefree.

  3. Wanton as an adjective:

    Lewd, immoral; sexually open, unchaste.

  4. Wanton as an adjective:

    Capricious, reckless of morality, justice etc.; acting without regard for the law or the well-being of others; gratuitous.

  5. Wanton as an adjective (archaic):

    Extravagant, unrestrained, excessive.

  1. Wanton as a noun:

    A pampered or coddled person.

  2. Wanton as a noun:

    An overly playful person; a trifler.

  3. Wanton as a noun:

    A self-indulgent person, fond of excess.

  4. Wanton as a noun (archaic):

    A lewd or immoral person, especially a prostitute.

  1. Wanton as a verb (intransitive):

    To rove and ramble without restraint, rule, or limit; to revel; to play loosely; to frolic.

  2. Wanton as a verb (transitive):

    To waste or squander, especially in pleasure (most often with away).

    Examples:

    "The young man wantoned away his inheritance."

  3. Wanton as a verb (intransitive):

    To act wantonly; to be lewd or lascivious.