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
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
  1. naughty
  2. misbehavior
  3. misbehaving
  4. misconduct
  5. wily
  6. mischief
  7. crafty
  8. devilment
Adjective
  • The film’s naughty, not-quite-PG side is perfectly exemplified by its titular hero.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Romantic, criminal and naughty hijinks ensue and bonds are tested — and ultimately reinforced.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of naughty
Noun
  • 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
  • Well, that’s a nod to a Southampton intern being spotted filming a Middlesbrough training session from behind a tree — the incident which sparked an investigation that revealed Southampton’s misbehavior.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 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
  • The reports come after misconduct findings against some interfraternity chapters in the spring and multiple criminal investigations, according to the letter.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • British police acknowledged applying for the warrants under the wrong statutory provision, the judge said while stipulating that the misconduct investigation against the king's brother could continue.
    — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of misconduct
Adjective
  • Containing pollution, especially gas and chemical contamination, can prove to be wily, requiring ongoing monitoring and fixes.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Where one of his horses might have tried muscling their way out of the Shake Shack to get away from Harkness, the wily Lamb simply creates a big scene over a patron asking him to stop smoking.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of wily
Noun
  • Maybe Canada doesn’t need another billion-dollar weapons system – just a few more hockey sticks and a good dose of patriotic mischief.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The actors who work best are the ones who give themselves over to his sense of mischief and permissiveness.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischief
Adjective
  • Some were obvious, like Lucia Pieroni’s crafty crystals dotting eyes at Celine and silver-leaf foreheads by makeup artist Fara Homidi at Gabriela Hearst.
    — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • DeLauter has been crafty on the base paths, recording 11 steals on 13 attempts.
    — Data Skrive, New York Times, 3 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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