knavish

adjective

knav·​ish ˈnā-vish How to pronounce knavish (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a knave
especially : dishonest
knavishly adverb

Examples of knavish in a Sentence

a knavish bunch of urchins racing pell-mell through the marketplace
Recent Examples on the Web Wells could be playful, knavish, and his tone here is one of urgency and optimism about the distribution of information. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The same people who are now telling us that only Republican-voting obscurantists, ignorant deplorables and knavish right-wing media pundits are raising doubts about the vaccine would have been oozing skepticism. Gerard Baker, WSJ, 12 July 2021

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knavish was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near knavish

Cite this Entry

“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knavish. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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