impish

adjective

imp·​ish ˈim-pish 

: of, relating to, or befitting an imp

especially : mischievous

impishly adverb

impishness noun

Synonyms of impish

• mischievous
• wicked
• playful

Examples of impish in a Sentence

the gang of impish children ran into the street, utterly oblivious to the traffic

Recent Examples on the Web

While fans have a deep understanding of his animation style and impish personality, little is actually known about the creator’s backstory. — Kyle MacNeill, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

Kutsuna has an impish twinkle; Yamada mutely swans about in a daze like an opium fiend. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Two years ago, the Man City phenom appeared in a 90-second spot for the game that saw him get recruited to storm a castle teeming with goblins, dragons and impish skeletons. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026

Her new album, Fata Morgana, uses an array of cascading rhythms, impish hooks, and fierce poetry to interrogate her place in a corrupt American society. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impish

adjective

imp·​ish ˈim-pish 

: mischievous sense 3

impishly adverb

impishness noun