TROUBLEMAKING Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

troublemaking 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of troublemaking

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

Three students emerge as protagonists, two troublemaking boys and an outcast girl, who unsteadily becomes their friend. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 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

Adjective

Don't get too friendly, though–some of the more naughty giraffes like to give the occasional head butt.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The film’s naughty, not-quite-PG side is perfectly exemplified by its titular hero.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of naughty

Noun

The Board of Education, citing costs, gave Maes just a week to investigate the allegations against Hunter, a notably short timeline given that previous inquiries into alleged misbehavior by DPS directors have taken months.

— Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Oversight measures are crucial for seeing how often agent misbehavior is detected by monitoring systems, the company said.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of misbehavior

Noun

The Justice Department has charged about 90 people for various types of election misconduct so far this year, including 50 who are said to have voted as noncitizens.

— SAFIYAH RIDDLE, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
SafeSport, a nonprofit established to prevent the abuse of athletes and address misconduct allegations, was dismissed as a defendant in two lawsuits filed by gymnasts that allege the organization did not properly investigate Gardner.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Adjective

The wily strategist told Tian Ji to race his best horse against the king’s second best, his second best against the king’s third best and his worst against the king’s best.

— Dana Mackenzie, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
Like Dillane’s Willoughby, wily and louche, who quite literally sweeps Marianne off her injured foot and into a giggly, schoolyard kind of chaotic sudden romance.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of wily

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

Adjective

There’s seat-shaking violence in how the whale breaches the surface and slams its weight back down (the crafty sound design is by James Miller) and body horror in its claustrophobic, spongy inner chambers.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Banchero totaled 15 points in 18 first-half minutes and Wagner added 11 while converting crafty finishes around the rim.

— Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 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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“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublemaking

adjective

noun

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