1
as in misbehavior
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2
as in vulgarity
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Recent Examples of naughtiness
The guest-only Chapel Club has a more plush, salon-like feel and there’s more than a hint of naughtiness with stained glass windows casting color onto the sensual artworks.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
Yes, the comedy is steadily simmering if not at a full boil, but if a bit of British naughtiness sounds appealing, this might just be your cup of tea.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
The Krampus scares children, to remind them of the wages of naughtiness.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 21 Dec. 2025
Last but not least is a 12-week-old dog named Sunny, who has truly leaned into the naughtiness of being a puppy.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
Yes, the comedy is steadily simmering if not at a full boil, but if a bit of British naughtiness sounds appealing, this might just be your cup of tea.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
The Krampus scares children, to remind them of the wages of naughtiness.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 21 Dec. 2025
Last but not least is a 12-week-old dog named Sunny, who has truly leaned into the naughtiness of being a puppy.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naughtiness
Noun
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For those who remember having to stay after school and write the same sentence over and over on a chalkboard as punishment for misbehavior, there are reminders in the restrooms.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
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Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The production is known for its humor as much as its vulgarity, and on Thursday night, the Out Front Theatre Company is raising the curtain on the off-Broadway production.—
Monique John,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
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With its insistent, obsessive patter, not to mention its unrelenting commitment to in-your-face vulgarity, Sherman’s comedy is hardly for everyone.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
6 Dec. 2025
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
Noun
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Jack, a detective with the sheriff's department, is just trying to keep his indiscretions from being broadcast on the 6 o'clock news.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
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Shuler, whose play with Riverside helped him gain a scholarship to the University of New Orleans, broke down several times when describing Lorch’s use of a paddle to punish him for indiscretions ranging from not working hard in practice to struggling in a high school French class.—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Blind spots, poor image quality, and limited video retention undermine investigations and allow misconduct to go undetected or unprosecuted.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Progressives also have endorsed the reversal of qualified immunity protections, which shield agents from misconduct lawsuits.—
Ana Ceballos,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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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
Noun
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There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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September 23 – October 22 Let playfulness find room in your schedule!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Naughtiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naughtiness. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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