as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
switching the entrance and exits signs in the school parking lot may seem like harmless rascality, if you're not the one involved in an accident
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Recent Examples of rascality
Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Naturally, such rascality didn't do overall fuel economy any favors; in fact, my average was just 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) over the course of 125 miles at the E 350's helm.
—Peter Nelson, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2024
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Naturally, such rascality didn't do overall fuel economy any favors; in fact, my average was just 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) over the course of 125 miles at the E 350's helm.
—Peter Nelson, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rascality
Noun
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Wilde is at her best when Erika is imperiously giving orders or expounding — in seriousness or mischief?—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
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Moss has a lengthy criminal record with convictions, including battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and criminal trespass, police said in earlier court documents.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
23 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
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
Cite this Entry
“Rascality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rascality. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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