as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
those rascally boys had let all of the lab mice out of their cages
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Recent Examples of rascally
If a rascally possum does become a problem, here's how to get rid of it and keep that opossum away.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
In 1950, scientists deployed a virus called Myxoma to destroy the rascally rabbits.
—Bethany Brookshire, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2022
The Los Angeles Rams, starring as the rascally rabbit, defeated the slow-and-deliberate Cincinnati Bengals in a fascinating case study between completely opposite approaches to team-building.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2022
Esty’s flight from Brooklyn has the feel of a thriller, complete with a cat-and-mouse chase as Yanky and his rascally cousin Moishe fly to Germany in pursuit.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2020
Mitch and Haylie Ferguson said the rascally rodent had somehow gotten into the fireplace, then proceeded to go on a 10-minute rampage running around the living room, news agency SWNS reports.
—Fox News, 19 Dec. 2019
The event, which is already sold-out in the elegant waterfront Clipper Room at Hammond Marina, will include topics from the history of farming to today's gardening and wrangling with rascally rabbit populations.
—Philip Potempa, Post-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2018
Oldest sib Creighton, 32, thought back to the family’s former home, the Cleveland suburb of Rocky River, and the cops who’d bug him and his rascally brothers around town.
—Sean Gregory/bongpyeong, Time, 11 Feb. 2018
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
In 1950, scientists deployed a virus called Myxoma to destroy the rascally rabbits.
—Bethany Brookshire, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2022
The Los Angeles Rams, starring as the rascally rabbit, defeated the slow-and-deliberate Cincinnati Bengals in a fascinating case study between completely opposite approaches to team-building.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2022
Esty’s flight from Brooklyn has the feel of a thriller, complete with a cat-and-mouse chase as Yanky and his rascally cousin Moishe fly to Germany in pursuit.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2020
Mitch and Haylie Ferguson said the rascally rodent had somehow gotten into the fireplace, then proceeded to go on a 10-minute rampage running around the living room, news agency SWNS reports.
—Fox News, 19 Dec. 2019
The event, which is already sold-out in the elegant waterfront Clipper Room at Hammond Marina, will include topics from the history of farming to today's gardening and wrangling with rascally rabbit populations.
—Philip Potempa, Post-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2018
Oldest sib Creighton, 32, thought back to the family’s former home, the Cleveland suburb of Rocky River, and the cops who’d bug him and his rascally brothers around town.
—Sean Gregory/bongpyeong, Time, 11 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rascally
Adjective
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Pomegranate Margaritas Inspired by the Fourth of July cookout, these bright, fruity margaritas capture Belly’s playful and mischievous side.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Sep. 2025
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The finale opens with a sneaky cello solo answered by a mischievous violin line.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both are wicked smart brainiacs on a tireless quest to do good in the world.—
Natasha Stoynoff,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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As the mystery unravels from multiple POVs, Alex’s kooky aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan) is revealed as the orchestrator of the tragedy — her fiery orange hair, nimble fingers, ghostly face and wicked crimson smile a memorable image that haunts the narrative.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rascally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rascally. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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