1
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
those adolescent rogueries that seemed funny at the time—but only stupid when considered in hindsight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the old fraternity brothers fondly recounted how their roguery used to rile the dean
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of roguery
That’s flimflam, that’s roguery.
—
Helen Shaw, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2022
His own father, famously, had been a confidence trickster, and le Carré was therefore all too well equipped to mount a lifelong investigation into the uses of roguery, not to mention sleights of hand, some of them amounting to a national disgrace.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2020
Trump smiled, and the dinner guests laughed at the sole acknowledgment of presidential roguery on this otherwise traditional night.
—Sonia Rao, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2019
The political systems of the US and Britain are staggering under the pressure of Russia’s roguery....
—Monitor Editors, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2018
Helen Shaw, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2022
His own father, famously, had been a confidence trickster, and le Carré was therefore all too well equipped to mount a lifelong investigation into the uses of roguery, not to mention sleights of hand, some of them amounting to a national disgrace.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2020
Trump smiled, and the dinner guests laughed at the sole acknowledgment of presidential roguery on this otherwise traditional night.
—Sonia Rao, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2019
The political systems of the US and Britain are staggering under the pressure of Russia’s roguery....
—Monitor Editors, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roguery
Noun
-
In Lebanon, a look-alike delivery driver posts satirical videos and pranks unsuspecting residents, showing the fear Adraee inspires.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
In Lebanon, a look-alike delivery driver posts satirical videos and pranks unsuspecting residents, showing the fear Adraee inspires.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
His girlfriend was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and petty criminal mischief.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
-
Cooper and his girlfriend were both arrested on domestic violence charges last Friday, with both being held on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief, according to Douglas County jail records.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Folarin Balogun is now the second US player to score more than once in a World Cup match, after Bert Patenaude – who happened to score the World Cup’s first-ever hat-trick in the inaugural 1930 edition … against Paraguay, so less.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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These chic wide-leg trousers will do just the trick, made of an ultra-soft and airy fabric ideal for looking polished and cool on warm-weather travels.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
Tonight’s Gemini new moon brings adventure to your door.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
-
The Apostle Islands are a place of wild beauty and freshwater adventure that can only be experienced in the Great Lakes region.—
Katherine Lawless,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
While this might rankle a certain type of science fiction reader who expects rigorous world building and a straightforward plot, Unferth’s playfulness injects new life into some trusty old tropes that have calcified into clichés.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Kitschy decor, decorative dinos, and artwork chosen by Felix echo the bedroom’s color story—and lend an appropriate dose of youthful playfulness.—
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 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
Cite this Entry
“Roguery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roguery. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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