as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the legendary rakishness of the billionaire's overprivileged and underbred son
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Recent Examples of rakishness
The staging may occasionally bring back flashbacks of the Valentine’s Day aisle of your local pharmacy, but the gaudy rakishness seems right at home at the Pantages.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2022
Mr. Ellis was born in Wales, and the creators of this incoherent mess apparently hope that his accent will convey rakishness and arch sophistication.
—Neil Genzlinger, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2016
Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2022
Mr. Ellis was born in Wales, and the creators of this incoherent mess apparently hope that his accent will convey rakishness and arch sophistication.
—Neil Genzlinger, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rakishness
Noun
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But Puerto Rico’s rapid growth has also raised concerns about sustainability, environmental degradation and cultural erosion.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
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Water-soluble chlorophyll, which gives broccoli its signature color, is vulnerable to degradation during prolonged cooking or boiling.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Advertisement Both Paxton’s baggage and his history of using his office to troll Democrats is a central feature in the Republican primary, which has devolved into a barrage of personal attacks of betrayal, adultery, and corruption.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
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Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine was up one point at 36 after an energy sector corruption scandal forced high-level resignations.—
Geir Moulson,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rakishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rakishness. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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