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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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

When Martín is kidnapped by a monster, Cleo ventures into the jungle to rescue him, aided by an elderly witch and a naughty anteater.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 July 2026
People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of naughty

Noun

However, according to experts, the story is far from the worst form of potential misbehavior keeping AI safety researchers up at night.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 22 July 2026
Social media has teemed with unsavory videos of Argentinean misbehavior in the stadiums, including fans hurling racial epithets at a Black American influencer and showering Egyptians with beer.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

Definition of misbehavior

Noun

When Platner arrived, the place seemed haunted not only by American misconduct but also by Saddam Hussein’s use of it to imprison and abuse political dissidents during his reign.

— Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Notably, there’s no public indication that Barron is suspected of misconduct or had any involvement in matters related to Andrew and Tristan Tate.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026

Definition of misconduct

Adjective

Damon is rugged and haunting in this absolute star turn as Odysseus, who, in a departure from the wilier original, is written as a true-hearted hero whose primary flaw was his unwavering loyalty to his men and his family.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Nolan has chosen to portray Odysseus as a warrior and commander, but ignores the wily, pleasure-loving side of his character.

— Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of wily

Noun

Neverson was charged with a felony count of second-degree mischief for an unrelated disturbance.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
In a nicely balanced performance, Alejandra Villanueva’s Mistress Quickly, the play’s go-between and overseer of mischief, embodies the free and easy spirit of Simon’s production.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Definition of mischief

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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Style

“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublemaking

adjective

noun

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