ROGUISHNESS Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

roguishness

noun

as in mischief

playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm a bit of childish roguishness that ended up with a window being broken

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of roguishness The titular nomad needed, perhaps, an actor with a little more mischief and roguishness to sell his transformation from conman to folk hero (Harrison Ford, 55 at the time, may have been a good alternative). — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026 While the film grapples with Dexter’s (Sturgess) addictions and patience-testing roguishness toward her, Hathaway and director Lone Scherfig never land on a compelling reason for Emma to put up with it. — Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roguishness

Noun

Both juveniles were charged with two misdemeanor counts of harassment, one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief and two criminal trespassing violations.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Police said a 16-year-old and 17-year-old were both charged with harassment, criminal mischief and criminal trespassing.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

Mazzoli’s score has its moments of playfulness, starting with the prologue in which the chorus members blow into kazoos.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Burnt out and bored, people started reincorporating playfulness into their lives with outfit updates and bedazzled everything.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of playfulness

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
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

Definition of devilment

Noun

Instead, Audi has built something that works remarkably well as everyday transportation while keeping a substantial reserve of mischievousness for those moments when an empty stretch of road appears.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s.

— Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026

Definition of mischievousness

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roguish

roguishness

roil

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“Roguishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roguishness. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of roguishness

noun

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