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
  • 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
  • If your child’s misbehavior keeps repeating, reflect on your own actions.
    — Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 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
  • Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April over the misconduct allegations.
    — Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Prosecutors argued that the jury’s dispute reflected not misconduct but a legitimate disagreement over the evidence.
    — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of misconduct
Adjective
  • The Braves have the edge, but the Phillies are always wily little villains.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The wily, beguiling poems in this collection probe selves and stories as sites of rupture and refraction.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 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
  • Wood has been crafty on the base paths, recording 18 steals on 21 attempts.
    — Data Skrive, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Through 1964, Sylvester pursued Tweety in a variety of shorts that found the hungry cat continuously foiled by the crafty bird.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 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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Cite this Entry

“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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