archness

noun

Definition of archnessnext
as in roguishness

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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 archness The diaries—particularly in Julian Sachs’s unexpurgated version, which captures Pavese’s alternating earnestness, archness, and pungent vulgarity—pose something of a problem. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 There can be a whisper-fine line between feature and bug, and in its persistent thickness and archness of atmosphere, Cold War Choir Practice slides right up to that boundary and perches there. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026 Paul Feig, who directed the dark, preschool-parent crime comedy A Simple Favor and its 2025 sequel, brought the same archness to his Housemaid movie. — Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archness
  1. roguishness
  2. coyness
  3. rascality
  4. devilment
  5. devilry
  6. waggery
  7. hob
  8. playfulness
Noun
  • The titular nomad needed, perhaps, an actor with a little more mischief and roguishness to sell his transformation from conman to folk hero (Harrison Ford, 55 at the time, may have been a good alternative).
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026
  • While the film grapples with Dexter’s (Sturgess) addictions and patience-testing roguishness toward her, Hathaway and director Lone Scherfig never land on a compelling reason for Emma to put up with it.
    — Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Definition of roguishness
Noun
  • There is her coyness about her future plans, and her own recent memoir.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The Hunting Wives strips away any coyness about sexuality in the first three minutes of episode one.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of coyness
Noun
  • Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of rascality
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
  • Dancing spirits, dressed in Victorian-era garb, stir up devilry as the night unfolds.
    — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • If Michael Jackson moonwalked so that Prince could show us the face of God with his brain-melting 2007 set, the NFL’s reaction to Fox’s inspired bit of devilry set the stage for the league’s eventual takeover of the American psyche.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Definition of devilry
Noun
  • 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
Definition of waggery
Noun
  • The kitchen block across the way is pretty conventional and relies on a portable single-hob induction cooktop that can be used on the counter or outside via the AC electrical outlet.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
  • The camper’s interior has also been electrified, with a modern induction hob replacing the original gas stove.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 June 2026
Definition of hob
Noun
  • There’s a playfulness, also seen in the Regent Experience Agent’s classic-with-a-twist ensembles, that feels young and fresh even if the brand has a discreet opulence about it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • There’s so much joy, playfulness, but also a strong sense of sentimentality.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of playfulness

Browse Nearby Words

archly
archness
archon
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Cite this Entry

“Archness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archness. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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