KNAVISH Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

knavish

adjective

ˈnā-vish

Definition of knavish

as in mischievous

tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a knavish bunch of urchins racing pell-mell through the marketplace

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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

Adjective

The stories feature the titular George, a mischievous, tailless, almost-always-smiling monkey exploring New York City, and his human companion, the Man in the Yellow Hat.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
The extended chords radiated color, but despite the influence of hip-hop and video-game music, the playing felt less mischievous than relentlessly mechanical.

— Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

Styled with a suede coat, relaxed jeans, and Tabi flats, this look proves the playful accessory isn’t just for summer.

— Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026
Uniting these jokes is a streak of playful irreverence, a facility for tempering challenging ideas with American cultural references, and a reluctance to provide more explanation than necessary.

— Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of playful

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knaves

knavish

knead

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“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavish. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of knavish

adjective

Example Sentences

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