troublemaking 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of troublemakingnext
as in naughty

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troublemaking

2 of 2

noun

as in misbehavior

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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 troublemaking
Adjective
In a galaxy far, far away, the troublemaking trio of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo could've looked a lot different. — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Peeves, the troublemaking ghost who wreaks havoc on young wizards, will be roaming the halls of Hogwarts when the new adaptation kicks off on Christmas Day. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 Joined by Mayor Mamdani, friends and family on Thursday laid to rest an East Village deli worker who police said was shot and killed during a dispute with a troublemaking former customer. — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 There’s an inherent troublemaking nature to him that can’t be repressed by the big Disney musical. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026 Over the years, Greg has gotten into fights with his best friend Rowley and troublemaking brother Rodrick, he’s gone to summer camp and saved his school, even tried his hand (disastrously) at sports. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for troublemaking
  1. naughty
  2. misbehavior
  3. misbehaving
  4. misconduct
  5. wily
  6. mischief
  7. crafty
  8. devilment
Adjective
  • When Martín is kidnapped by a monster, Cleo ventures into the jungle to rescue him, aided by an elderly witch and a naughty anteater.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of naughty
Noun
  • Recent disclosures about misbehavior by artificial intelligence models, including hacking into external systems, have spurred growing concern.
    — Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Misadventure and misbehavior leave him stranded on the porch of a sympathetic chef and restaurateur (Antonio Banderas), whose kitchen offers a tumult of volatile personalities and whose soulful wisdom confers a sense of adult responsibilities.
    — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of misbehavior
Adjective
  • Why must members of the public be disrespected by unruly, misbehaving, noisy children, who are then defended by adults who should know better?
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of misbehaving
Noun
  • Head coach Eckert being hit with three Football Association misconduct charges means the saga may yet cast a further shadow over the new campaign, especially as the German could be facing a lengthy ban.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Federal officials say these forms are scanned into an online system and is accessible to all staff based at the facility, even those accused of misconduct.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of misconduct
Adjective
  • Maye took the snap and gave it away again, set up by some wily safety play.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
  • A couple of hours later, Learner Tien lost to wily French veteran Adrian Mannarino.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of wily
Noun
  • Police arrested 49-year-old Philip Brown on a charge of criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage following a series of incidents at a local home.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In the canon of teen entertainment, boys tend to make mischief while girls give each other makeovers.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of mischief
Adjective
  • On the flip side, Javonte Williams had a crafty day in the running game and found multiple healthy gains.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Now, teenagers are having to get crafty to land their minimum-wage summer gigs.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of crafty
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

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Cite this Entry

“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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