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

The Kansas locations do not serve naughty flavors, but the Riverfront location will.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Don't get too friendly, though–some of the more naughty giraffes like to give the occasional head butt.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of naughty

Noun

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
Over the past decade, school districts across Texas have sought to make classrooms safer by swelling the number of police officers on campuses and taking a tougher stance on misbehavior.

— Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of misbehavior

Noun

Former township Clerk Kimberly Grable pleaded guilty to official misconduct and was sentenced to five years in prison.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Jansen Trotter Fannin County In its initial statement, the Leonard Police Department did not identify the underlying misconduct, explain what Trotter allegedly knew or failed to report, or identify anyone else involved.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 28 Oct. 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

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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troublemakers

troublemaking

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Style

“Troublemaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/troublemaking. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of troublemaking

adjective

noun

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