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
The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s.
—
Lily Goldberg,
Pitchfork,
13 June 2026
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
Lily Goldberg,
Pitchfork,
13 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievousness
Noun
-
Bubble skirts had their moment, but balloon pants bring the same sense of playfulness to any outfit.
-
Fun and playfulness definitely trumped the grind here.
Noun
-
Police arrested the pair on charges of burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, possession of burglar's tools, disorderly conduct and other offenses.
-
Both face multiple charges -- including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, violation of a local law, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct and possession of burglar's tools -- according to police.
Noun
-
Mustard and vinegar provide the devilment for a flavorful bite, particularly when topped with a scattering of scallions and paprika.
-
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.
Cite this Entry
“Mischievousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievousness. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
