1
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
as they grew older, they lost much of their youthful mischievousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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And so the playfulness, the fluidity, and then there was something almost feline or animal or catlike about the character in my imagination.—
Scott Huver,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
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It was indicated by Michael Serna, executive creative director with Disney Live Entertainment, that such a level of playfulness would continue.—
Todd Martens,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Becerra is also being charged with one count of felony burglary and one count of felony criminal mischief, bringing the total number of charges to 28.—
Brian Maass,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
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Jose Mourinho has never lost his sense of mischief.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Mischievousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievousness. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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