roguish

adjective

rogu·​ish ˈrōgish How to pronounce roguish (audio)
-gēsh
Synonyms of roguishnext
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a rogue : dishonest, unprincipled
had some roguish intentions of his own about the moneyW. M. Thackeray
roguish stories emphasizing ingenuity
2
: pleasantly mischievous
a roguish wink
roguishly adverb
roguishness noun
plural -es

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roguish was in 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Roguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roguish. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

roguish

adjective
rogu·​ish
ˈrō-gish
1
: of, relating to, or being a rogue
2
: playfully mischievous
roguishly adverb
roguishness noun

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