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
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But the tense moment quickly turned to laughter when it was all revealed to be a prank.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Authorities have cited social media in the trend, with videos of the pranks circulating on TikTok and other platforms.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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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The trick is to choose a nude shade that compliments your skin tone and apply a top coat so glossy and reflective your nails almost appear see-through.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
23 Jan. 2026
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But the trick becomes doing it over and over again, in a way that preserves arm health.—
Tribune News Service,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
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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
-
The piece includes a dramatic fringe skit, with movement and playfulness that contrasted the tailored top.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
16 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,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Luxury expeditions to the region are now attracting travelers craving new and unusual adventures at sea, all complemented by modern, high-end amenities.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Except, when the rehearsals start in earnest and boys enter the duo’s orbit in after-school adventures, their already off-balance dual existence and sneaky one-upmanship worsens.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
24 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
Cite this Entry
“Roguery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roguery. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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