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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
your mother was full of mischief as a child, believe it or not
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in monkey
an appealingly mischievous person
he's a little mischief who means no harm
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 mischief
The individuals face charges including felony criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and additional offenses.
—
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
If he’s arrested, the vandal could be facing a charge of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Still, Prince Phillip of Sleeping Beauty is a true romantic hero, and his trusty steed Samson is the rare equine companion who can match his owner's sense of adventure and penchant for mischief.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025
He had been charged with felony second-degree assault on a police officer and the lesser charges of third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, Jefferson County court records showed.
—Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
If he’s arrested, the vandal could be facing a charge of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Still, Prince Phillip of Sleeping Beauty is a true romantic hero, and his trusty steed Samson is the rare equine companion who can match his owner's sense of adventure and penchant for mischief.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025
He had been charged with felony second-degree assault on a police officer and the lesser charges of third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic, Jefferson County court records showed.
—Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischief
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
Noun
-
Twenty voices multiply it, adding yodels and monkey noises, the sheer volume making up for the pep talks the crowd doesn’t have time to give.—
Sam MacIlwaine,
Outside Online,
16 June 2025
-
From swans and elephants to monkeys hanging from coat hangers, these playful creations add a touch of whimsy to your day.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
And Tony nominee Daniel J. Watts nails his portrayal of Sammy Davis Jr. as a real-life devil on the shoulder of the conflicted trailblazer, while Krystal Joy Brown, Kathy Fitzgerald, Ruby Lewis and Kenita Miller turn out stellar performances in multiple roles.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2025
-
Photo : Riva Yachts Riva 68 Diable The 68 Diable lives up to its name—a handsome devil that will be the most stunning yacht at Venice.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
May God bless the entire Trump administration with swift repentance from this wickedness.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
That’s flimflam, that’s roguery.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2022
-
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 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share