KNAVISH Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

knavish

adjective

ˈnā-vish

Definition of knavish

as in mischievous

tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a knavish bunch of urchins racing pell-mell through the marketplace

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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 knavish 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knavish

Adjective

Palestinian children could be ordinary children—bored, mischievous, happy, alive.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Homer, of course, is perhaps the most lovable dimwit ever created, and his dynamic with Bart — the quick-to-anger suburban dad, the innocently mischievous adolescent son — is pure Americana.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

After crash landing on the dark world directly onto the homing beacon, EO and his crazy crew are apprehended by a gang of warrior henchmen and hauled into the throne room to face the wicked alien ruler who is imprisoned in anger and hate.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Our only recent point of reference for a 'flying' car is the BYD Yangwang U9 which managed a 20-ft leap over spikes last year, enabled by a wicked active suspension system.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of wicked

Adjective

The Moon enters Capricorn and your playful 5th house, inviting you toward hobbies, romance, creativity, and pleasure.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
The shoe was elevated by a heel with a crystal cube design at the base, contributing a sense of glamour and a playful geometric aesthetic.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of playful

Browse Nearby Words

knaves

knavish

knead

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“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavish. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of knavish

adjective

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