1
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
as they grew older, they lost much of their youthful mischievousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
bored kids often engage in a certain amount of mischievousness during the long summer vacation
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 mischievousness
Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievousness
Noun
-
While this might rankle a certain type of science fiction reader who expects rigorous world building and a straightforward plot, Unferth’s playfulness injects new life into some trusty old tropes that have calcified into clichés.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Kitschy decor, decorative dinos, and artwork chosen by Felix echo the bedroom’s color story—and lend an appropriate dose of youthful playfulness.—
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Court records show Varley was ultimately charged with criminal mischief and two counts of battery.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
-
The magic and mischief of Maradona The quality of Diego Maradona’s overall performance at the 1986 World Cup remains without parallel in the competition’s history.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Mischievousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievousness. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
