knavish

adjective

ˈnā-vish How to pronounce knavish (audio)
Definition of knavishnext
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a knavish bunch of urchins racing pell-mell through the marketplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 knavish Wells could be playful, knavish, and his tone here is one of urgency and optimism about the distribution of information. — BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The same people who are now telling us that only Republican-voting obscurantists, ignorant deplorables and knavish right-wing media pundits are raising doubts about the vaccine would have been oozing skepticism. — Gerard Baker, WSJ, 12 July 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knavish
  1. mischievous
  2. wicked
  3. playful
Adjective
  • KidSuper founder Colm Dillane has always had a mischievous side.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In practice, this mischievous presence ping-pongs between maternal lies and the wholesale impersonation of other people.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • To avenge an injustice and restore honor, a good yakuza, like Ken-san, would set off alone for a suicidal last stand against his wicked rivals.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • Among them was Chromeo, whose sleek, playful funk sound traveled through the city’s indie and electronic scenes.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
  • These glasses have plenty of personality with playful prints, unexpected motifs, and fun patterns.
    — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of playful

Browse Nearby Words

knaves
knavish
knead
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Cite this Entry

“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavish. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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