waggery

noun

ˈwa-gə-rē How to pronounce waggery (audio)
Definition of waggerynext
1
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm tossing lighted firecrackers around is not the kind of harmless waggery that it might seem

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter Will Rogers' homespun waggeries struck a chord with audiences during the Great Depression

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke her innocent little waggeries usually involved whoopee cushions or fake snakes in cans

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Example Sentences

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 waggery To ask you to step into the parlor was Maggie’s favorite waggery, the divisions of her cabin being purely imaginary. — Gertrude A. Zerr, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waggery
  1. mischief
  2. joke
  3. prank
  4. playfulness
  5. laugh
  6. trick
  7. devilment
  8. joking
Noun
  • Lackey was charged with unarmed burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, criminal mischief and interruption of critical infrastructure, according to the booking report.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lackey is accused of burglary, criminal mischief and interrupting critical infrastructure.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of mischief
Noun
  • But Roth’s it’s-all-a-big-joke attitude here is a cop-out that’s beneath him, a way to avoid making a horror movie that truly engages us.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Write the honest sentence, take the quiet walk, and tell the truth without decorating it for comfort or turning it into a joke today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • Ween released 12 Golden Country Greats in the summer of 1996 to a public primed for a prank.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Golf star Charley Hull pulled off a savage prank on her caddie, Adam Woodward, earlier in the week, and some people were upset about it.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of prank
Noun
  • But these scenes are filmed with such playfulness that the shock value is completely dissipated.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
  • The strawberry decals on both fingertips add an extra touch of playfulness to this already unique design.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 30 July 2026
Definition of playfulness
Noun
  • But there are plenty of affirmative laughs in her roughly 65-minute set, tickets to which are not cheap.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There’s not enough conflict to drive the narrative, and not enough laughs to liven up the dead spots.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • Then, use one of these simple tricks to remove leftover wax and scrub soot away with warm water, soap, and a brush when you’re done.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Though the trick watch that recorded Sang-gil’s incriminating meeting with the mayor has been destroyed, Eun-sae backed up the footage.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Mustard and vinegar provide the devilment for a flavorful bite, particularly when topped with a scattering of scallions and paprika.
    — SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025
  • But even if truffles are beyond your pay grade, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had in the sheer devilment portrayed in this informative and appetizing book.
    — Eugenia Bone, WSJ, 10 July 2019
Definition of devilment
Noun
  • Back in December 1968, Dolan wrote a joking column about the earlier Lake Worth monster, from way back in 1947.
    — Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
  • Oh, but the Padres manager was ready with the joking last night.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

waggeries
waggery
wagging
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Cite this Entry

“Waggery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waggery. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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