1
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
the sort of frat-boy knaveries that become the stuff of campus legend
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
suspects some knavery going on in the political campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knavery
Noun
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Mollie Auchmuty, 34, from rural Ohio, was one of the masterminds behind a coordinated prank that unfolded aboard the Disney Wish cruise ship.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025 -
Wood fostered a creative and fun-loving environment at WEBN, encouraging innovative ideas and pranks.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
The Enquirer,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That mischief led to Arenas’ original instance of being hit with charges — when his back and forth with Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton led to big trouble at the end of 2009.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
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In 2024, he was accused of assault, battery and criminal mischief — charges that stemmed from three separate incidents.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
21 July 2025
Noun
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From fashion tips and tricks to tween and teen hair and nails, our back-to-school style guide has a little bit of everything.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
29 July 2025
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So begins a scrappy come-up story, about older dogs learning new tricks to revitalize a dying print industry.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
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Naturally, such rascality didn't do overall fuel economy any favors; in fact, my average was just 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) over the course of 125 miles at the E 350's helm.—
Peter Nelson,
Ars Technica,
18 Apr. 2024
Noun
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That’s flimflam, that’s roguery.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2022
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America, this is a level of pure double-dealing, roguery, and downright villainy ne’er witnessed on this television program.—
Ali Barthwell,
Vulture,
7 Sep. 2021
Noun
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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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Knavery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavery. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.
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