naughtiness

noun

Definition of naughtinessnext
1
as in misbehavior

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2
as in vulgarity

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Dissimilar Words

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
  • Recent disclosures about misbehavior by artificial intelligence models, including hacking into external systems, have spurred growing concern.
    — Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Misadventure and misbehavior leave him stranded on the porch of a sympathetic chef and restaurateur (Antonio Banderas), whose kitchen offers a tumult of volatile personalities and whose soulful wisdom confers a sense of adult responsibilities.
    — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of misbehavior
Noun
  • The distinction between ugliness and vulgarity feels important now.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 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
  • Eventually, Batula moved past Cooke’s indiscretions and married him in 2021.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • History is littered with the careers of politicians who committed crimes or engaged in moral indiscretions and then tried to lie their way out of public shame.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026
Definition of indiscretion
Noun
  • The museum’s managing director, Véronique Haché, is also named in the report for related, alleged misconduct.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hernandez faces two federal counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 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
  • But many seemingly urbane texts also benefited from the intellectual and moral coarseness of their times.
    — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The term plant texture refers to the fineness or coarseness, roughness or smoothness, heaviness or lightness of a particular plant.
    — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of coarseness

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Cite this Entry

“Naughtiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naughtiness. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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