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

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

Romantic, criminal and naughty hijinks ensue and bonds are tested — and ultimately reinforced.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Queen Elizabeth—long known as a lover of horses—was a frequent recipient of the pony’s naughty side, like in 2017, when Corporal Cruachan attempted to take a bite of the flowers the queen was holding during a visit to Stirling Castle.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of naughty

Noun

OpenAI said its new framework for divulging model misbehavior to the public starts with disclosure, and that any employee can flag an issue for the safety and alignment team to investigate.

— Isabel O'Brien,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
One is that the agents should be given legitimate ways to communicate since this way, the researchers can monitor these channels, detect misbehavior, and hopefully nip it in the bud.

— Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of misbehavior

Noun

In January 2022, Whedon denied the allegations of misconduct against him in an interview with Vulture.

— Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
The Star reported this story over the course of several weeks following an anonymous Reddit thread that went viral detailing allegations about Jay Sanders’ misconduct and abuse at popular Kansas City-area bars Drastic Measures and Wild Child.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Adjective

The Italian champions’ addition of Three Lions — England internationals John Stones, Curtis Jones and Djed Spence — is aimed at bringing more dynamism to a wily group who have reached two Champions League finals in four years.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The Braves have the edge, but the Phillies are always wily little villains.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of wily

Noun

According to Florida Department of Corrections records, Antoine was on a four-year probation for a 2024 criminal mischief felony charge.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Election deniers on the ballot in Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin could make mischief in 2028.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of mischief

Adjective

Soto has been crafty on the base paths, recording nine steals on 12 attempts.

— Data Skrive, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Borges sees a bumpy period of adjustment in the short term as the industry sorts out processes to ensure that human creatives still oversee the work of AI’s crafty agents.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Sep. 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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troublemakers

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troubles

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“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublemaking

adjective

noun

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