as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a roguish grin was the only sign that she had something up her sleeve for the office party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 roguish
Plans are now underway for a contemporary reimagining of the series, which saw McShane play the eponymous roguish and fourth wall-breaking antiques dealer, a likeable anti-hero with a knack for recognizing genuine antiques from fakes or forgeries.
—
Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
Joe Morrow plays the roguish Sean.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
Newsom has capably sensed what Democrats want right now, and is delivering it with a roguish charisma.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
He's egged on by owner Jonathan Yu—the outward opposite to the roguish tattooed chef and the game-for-anything, sly devil on his shoulder who hides a mischievous heart behind elegant suits.
—Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Yet Kunken gives the character a roguish charisma, in his tireless defense of American freedom, that Biniaz couldn’t help observing was arguably fictional.
—Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Autumn Springs is populated by finely wrought individuals, led by the indomitable Rose and her roguish friend Miller.
—Neil McRobert, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
Joe Morrow plays the roguish Sean.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
Newsom has capably sensed what Democrats want right now, and is delivering it with a roguish charisma.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
He's egged on by owner Jonathan Yu—the outward opposite to the roguish tattooed chef and the game-for-anything, sly devil on his shoulder who hides a mischievous heart behind elegant suits.
—Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Yet Kunken gives the character a roguish charisma, in his tireless defense of American freedom, that Biniaz couldn’t help observing was arguably fictional.
—Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Autumn Springs is populated by finely wrought individuals, led by the indomitable Rose and her roguish friend Miller.
—Neil McRobert, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roguish
Adjective
-
The Ospreys – a mischievous bird of prey – have returned.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Labubu, the vinyl plush collectible with a snaggletoothed grin and knowingly mischievous eyes, has become a viral sensation and one of China’s fastest-rising exports.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Tom is like if Kinnaman’s Holder, from AMC’s adaptation of the Danish drama The Killing, were actually as wicked as everybody suspects him of being, and the actor is having a blast preening and sneering.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
-
On this bride’s wedding night, her groom permitted his relatives to sacrifice her to a demon, believing the lore that a wicked spirit named Le Bail gave the family its staggering fortune.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
April 20 – May 20 Your playful side wants room to breathe!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
It’s named after Hall’s favorite band, Grateful Dead, and will have a few playful nods to the band.—
Jenna Thompson
March 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Roguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roguish. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
