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

The feeling is cheeky and curious, a soundtrack to innocuous mischief.

— Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Another charge of mischief was taken into consideration during sentencing.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

There is a heaviness and sorrow to that wise, ingenious goddess that obscured the character’s power and playfulness—a choice made by Nolan, no doubt to emphasize his dark themes.

— Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
But Barley’s playfulness began to reemerge in May 2024, when a 4-day-old Pekin duckling named Louie arrived, thanks to a Facebook post from an elementary school teacher looking to rehome two ducklings.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 July 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

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
Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.

— Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of roguishness

noun

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