1
as in devilment
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway
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2
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
your mother was full of mischief as a child, believe it or not
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3
as in monkey
an appealingly mischievous person
he's a little mischief who means no harm
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mischief
He was also charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, criminal mischief and 14 counts of reckless endangerment.
—
Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025
But there’s also, surprisingly, an element of nostalgia propelling the Minecraft mischief.
—Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
They each were charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, criminal attempt at third-degree larceny and first-degree criminal mischief.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025
As a mother of three, Kathy is positivity with a dose of mischief, and a bit of mysticism to keep things interesting.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025
But there’s also, surprisingly, an element of nostalgia propelling the Minecraft mischief.
—Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
They each were charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, criminal attempt at third-degree larceny and first-degree criminal mischief.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025
As a mother of three, Kathy is positivity with a dose of mischief, and a bit of mysticism to keep things interesting.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischief
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
Noun
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The only problem was that to train the monkey to do the next action, the trainer would kiss the monkey first.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2025
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Scan the mangroves for monkeys and sloths, and enjoy the approach to Corcovado from the waves.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside Online,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Fire crackling in Burt’s (Christopher Walken) dining room, framing his face like a devil.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Wooly devil grows near drought-tolerant plants, including ocotillo, hedgehog cactus and creosote.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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So long as Palestinians are violent Jew-hating savages, the conflict has nothing to do with Israeli occupation and all to do with the wickedness coursing through Palestinian blood.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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The tinny, atmospheric beat escalates the wickedness, like a party that ends with a seance.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As shown in his previous films, Eggers’ sensibility has roots not in contemporary horror but in stories from centuries past that become vivid and febrile, alive with an insidious devilry that inches under your skin.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
2 Dec. 2024
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That’s enough devilry to explain at least much of Haiti’s challenges without resorting to tales of satanic influence.—
Matthew Brown,
Washington Post,
24 Mar. 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
Cite this Entry
“Mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischief. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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