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
-
The festival is rooted in the story of Lord Krishna, the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have played pranks by splashing maids with water and colors.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
-
It is rooted in the story of Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who played pranks splashing maids with water and colors.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Court records show Varley was ultimately charged with criminal mischief and two counts of battery.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
-
The magic and mischief of Maradona The quality of Diego Maradona’s overall performance at the 1986 World Cup remains without parallel in the competition’s history.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Noun
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And are there any tips and tricks for planning and executing the perfect anti-aging trip?—
Alessandra Signorelli,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
-
Since Hathaway's viral video, people have posted themselves doing her trick, sometimes to shocking results.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
29 May 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
-
Despite Goldstein living out his fantasy and their playfulness throughout the press tour so far, Lopez shut down dating rumors directly when she and Goldstein were asked by Savannah Guthrie on Today.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
2 June 2026
-
The portrait that has emerged from these instances is one of playfulness, but also intentionality.—
Krysta Fauria,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Originally from Long Island, New York, and shaped by 20 years in southern Arizona, her work examines the intersection of wild landscapes, small-town culture, and the spirit of adventure.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
The sci-fi adventure is targeting $30 million by Sunday, which is a slow start considering the $200 million production budget.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
6 June 2026
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
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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 8 Jun. 2026.
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