1
as in wicked
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
the children had been so mischievous that we had to pay the babysitter extra and then clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naughty
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior
punished for their mischievous tricks on the neighbors
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
causing or capable of causing harm
mischievous gossip that ruined a good teacher's reputation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mischievous
Germany goalkeeper Berger went in at half-time wearing a mischievous smile.
—
Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Fargo has an absurdist streak a mile wide and a sense of cosmic comeuppance that suggests the strings are being pulled by a mischievous trickster-god with a mean streak.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
The cat's clumsy adventure quickly charmed viewers who recognized the mischievous nature of felines.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
But he was also known for his mischievous nature with teammates.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Fargo has an absurdist streak a mile wide and a sense of cosmic comeuppance that suggests the strings are being pulled by a mischievous trickster-god with a mean streak.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
The cat's clumsy adventure quickly charmed viewers who recognized the mischievous nature of felines.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
But he was also known for his mischievous nature with teammates.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievous
Adjective
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There's no rest for the wicked in Ligue 1 as Lens prepares to open another campaign in the French top flight at home to Lyon on Sunday.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
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Not since the days of Gossip Girl, the deliciously wicked mid-2000s teen television drama, has New York City's Upper East Side been a spot for the cool kids.—
Elizabeth Cantrell,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Tucked into a mansion-like building in Midtown, this Mediterranean-leaning lounge has been upgraded to offer a setting that feels like a naughty secret.—
Rafael Peña,
Miami Herald,
23 July 2025
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There are many more unbelievable and naughty moments to come in Stalter’s career, to be sure.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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That said, the Revolution had promising spells of attacking play and even looked the more dangerous side in the first half.—
Julian Cardillo,
Boston Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For a playful yet sweet date night scent, Ledda’s 16 Scenic Rose is a lovely choice.—
Sarah Boyd,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Tap into the playful accessory trend, which has been serving up fresh, colorful, and creative takes on hoops.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Not bad for a company built on the back of a $40 plastic-cased watch!—
Oren Hartov,
Robb Report,
15 Aug. 2025
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This is all made much, much worse by the fact that Claire’s parents end up time-travelling . . .—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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All of which are made from lightweight, dishwasher-safe plastic that’s free of harmful chemicals.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
8 Aug. 2025
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The Environmental Protection Agency’s endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, from 2009, says quite simply that these emissions endanger the public and qualify as harmful pollution; they can therefore be regulated under the Clean Air Act.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One of them had even placed an impish rabbit statue in the garden.—
Mona Awad,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
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Despite Igor's impish antics, his Facebook posts and TODAY appearance have generated considerable interest from potential adoptive parents.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Studies show that drinking prune juice can reduce constipation symptoms without triggering adverse side effects like gas and loose stools.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Video
'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine
'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.
Cite this Entry
“Mischievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievous. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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