naughtily

adverb

Definition of naughtilynext
as in awfully

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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 naughtily The outsize failings of the men in power demand a grand reimagining of the consequences of those failings, and Helen of Nowhere offers up, exhilaratingly and naughtily, a myth for the man who needs to be shuffled offstage one way or another. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naughtily
  1. awfully
  2. dreadfully
  3. terribly
  4. horribly
  5. disastrously
  6. atrociously
  7. horrendously
  8. insufficiently
Adverb
  • That seems awfully relevant to the idea of creating a new agency to regulate AI, which Schiff supports doing.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In Bowers, tight end Travis Kelce may be looking in the mirror at his younger self, though the soon-to-be 37-year-old has looked awfully spry himself during the first three games of the season.
    — Pete Sweeney October 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of awfully
Adverb
  • Although Yamaha has been dreadfully slow about bringing its motorcycles to India, the R2 made its global debut there this week.
    — Yamaha, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Made from 100 percent cotton, this lightweight number is extremely soft and a great option for dreadfully hot days.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of dreadfully
Adverb
  • The wish, of course, goes terribly wrong, leading to bloody consequences for Bear, Nikki and their friends.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Fortunately, if no less terribly, there is more to the story, and many of the most compelling scenes have little or nothing to do with Michael.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of terribly
Adverb
  • One night, Cathy (Pugh) arrives at their doorstep, horribly beaten and seemingly unable to remember her past.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The depiction of schizophrenia on screen — especially in horror movies — has largely seen the mental health condition linked to violent and unpredictable rages, showing people when something has gone horribly wrong.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of horribly
Adverb
  • Of course, wealth taxes would produce revenues that could be directed to useful purposes, such as expanding government programs or reducing the disastrously high federal deficit.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • If New York’s futility continues, those decisions could age disastrously.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of disastrously
Adverb
  • That pattern stayed broadly consistent last season, when Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeepers performed badly, but not atrociously.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of atrociously
Adverb
  • The less said about Bryan’s horrendously gauche fuchsia-and-gold dress with puffy armholes and halter neck the better.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Too little regulation could allow the unleashing of devilish AI that might wipe us out or at least be horrendously destructive.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of horrendously
Adverb
  • Internal pressure gave the missile its structural rigidity, meaning the vehicle could buckle if insufficiently pressurized.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Or… 2) Miami is insufficiently impressed and spends its likely very high 2027 first-round draft pick on a QB with the clear intent for the rookie to soon replace Willis.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of insufficiently

Browse Nearby Words

naught
naughtily
naughtiness
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Cite this Entry

“Naughtily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naughtily. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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