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
  • 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
  • But cheating on non-cyber tests suggested that the misbehavior might be rooted more deeply, said Jeffrey Ladish, whose organization, Palisade Research, studies the capabilities and motivations of AI agents.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Recent disclosures about misbehavior by artificial intelligence models, including hacking into external systems, have spurred growing concern.
    — Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 10 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
  • Likewise, the fact that somebody correctly anticipated an announcement and made money does not by itself prove misconduct.
    — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Illinois does not have independent watchdogs investigating fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct or neglect in state government, agencies or public programs.
    — Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of misconduct
Adjective
  • But the clever and wily ruler of the Sikh Kingdom of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was obsessed with bringing the Koh-i-Noor back to India.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Maye took the snap and gave it away again, set up by some wily safety play.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of wily
Noun
  • The stagehands finally lowered the elevated side of the stage, ended their mischief, and Belafonte began singing.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • McConaughey is glad to tell a story about some mischief on set.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of mischief
Adjective
  • These writers saw themselves as craftsmen and their field as closed to outsiders; at the Daily Mirror, the standard-bearing populist sheet, the crafty Lamb hadn’t been able to get ahead.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Carroll has been crafty on the base paths, recording 20 steals on 23 attempts.
    — Data Skrive, New York Times, 26 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

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 30 Aug. 2026.

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