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naughtiness

noun

Definition of naughtinessnext
1
as in misbehavior

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2
as in vulgarity

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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 naughtiness There’s a tonal tug-of-war in this movie between naughtiness and aching sincerity. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026 TikTok users responded in droves, with many sharing similar stories of their own dogs becoming trapped in clothing or household items due to their own naughtiness. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naughtiness
  1. misbehavior
  2. vulgarity
  3. devilment
  4. indiscretion
  5. misconduct
  6. crudeness
  7. mischievousness
  8. coarseness
Noun
  • OpenAI said its new framework for divulging model misbehavior to the public starts with disclosure, and that any employee can flag an issue for the safety and alignment team to investigate.
    — Isabel O'Brien,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • One is that the agents should be given legitimate ways to communicate since this way, the researchers can monitor these channels, detect misbehavior, and hopefully nip it in the bud.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of misbehavior
Noun
  • In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The distinction between ugliness and vulgarity feels important now.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of vulgarity
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
Definition of devilment
Noun
  • This tender novel of intimacy and its risks begins in Boston in 1969, as Eve, a dancer, commences an affair with a colleague—an indiscretion that spurs her husband, a journalist named Gabe, to cheat, too.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Remind him of his indiscretions and ask him to give you the respect to stay away for a while.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of indiscretion
Noun
  • In January 2022, Whedon denied the allegations of misconduct against him in an interview with Vulture.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Star reported this story over the course of several weeks following an anonymous Reddit thread that went viral detailing allegations about Jay Sanders’ misconduct and abuse at popular Kansas City-area bars Drastic Measures and Wild Child.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of misconduct
Noun
  • There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of crudeness
Noun
  • Instead, Audi has built something that works remarkably well as everyday transportation while keeping a substantial reserve of mischievousness for those moments when an empty stretch of road appears.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of mischievousness
Noun
  • Most denim blends using hemp only include 20 or 30 percent of the fiber due to its coarseness.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But many seemingly urbane texts also benefited from the intellectual and moral coarseness of their times.
    — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of coarseness

Browse Nearby Words

naughtily
naughtiness
naughts
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Cite this Entry

“Naughtiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naughtiness. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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