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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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

But when Santa fails to show up at their house to back them up, Mark and Daryl are forced to go in by themselves in the hopes of rescuing Julie and Bobby before the Kringles put the entire Severson family permanently on the naughty list.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
The Kansas locations do not serve naughty flavors, but the Riverfront location will.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of naughty

Noun

CrowdStrike believes its new tool will let companies stop AI agent 'misbehavior in its tracks, while leaving room for innovation.

— Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
OpenAI said its agents disabled parts of an internal misbehavior monitoring system, intensifying worries of AI acting in malign ways.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of misbehavior

Noun

The state labor board denied SoCal Berry Growers’ claims of misconduct, reaffirming the United Farm Workers’ unionization petition.

— Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Allegations of misconduct toppled the Democrat’s campaign, but his replacement, former logger and state senator Troy Jackson, has had a strong showing in the polls, and posed the first actual competition Collins has faced in nearly three decades.

— Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Adjective

And to unload those, Harry has a close pal and longtime co-conspirator, the wily, wisecracking pawnshop owner Ben (Steve Buscemi).

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.

— Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of wily

Noun

Nicole Bottiglierivega Miami-Dade Corrections Nicole Bottiglierivega, 42, faces charges of third-degree grand theft, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, criminal mischief, and resisting an officer without violence.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
With modern elections often decided by extremely thin margins and billions of dollars sloshing through campaigns, both parties have ample incentives and opportunities to gain an edge through mischief involving third parties.

— New York Times, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of mischief

Adjective

Throughout the book, Przystup shares ways of infusing the seasons into her daily life and home with crafty decor, rituals, hosting, and more.

— Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
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

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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublemaking

adjective

noun

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