1
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
tossing lighted firecrackers around is not the kind of harmless waggery that it might seem
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
Will Rogers' homespun waggeries struck a chord with audiences during the Great Depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
her innocent little waggeries usually involved whoopee cushions or fake snakes in cans
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of waggery
To ask you to step into the parlor was Maggie’s favorite waggery, the divisions of her cabin being purely imaginary.
—
Gertrude A. Zerr, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Gertrude A. Zerr, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waggery
Noun
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That’s likely why his movie is more daring in its humor and tone, bringing a refreshing infusion of mischief to Pixar while maintaining the genuine emotional gravitas that has endeared the company to audiences for over 30 years.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Toni Rice, 44, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, intimidating a participant in the legal process and tampering with a witness, as well as misdemeanor charges of failing to stop and render aid, falsely reporting an incident and official misconduct.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Its massive size even became the subject of a joke in the film High Society, in which the actress chose to wear her real-life ring instead of a prop one.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
12 Mar. 2026
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My sister got these jokes and these hands.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The family of a Hall County teacher killed in what investigators say was a prank gone wrong is asking authorities to drop charges against the teens involved.—
Jamal Goss,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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The longtime teacher knew the teens were coming to pull a prank on him and was waiting to catch them in the act, the family's statement said.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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From artwork and textiles to throw pillows and statues, there are endless ways to incorporate the natural playfulness and charm animals offer.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
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The hotel-crisp percale is made even more dignified with a thick blue stripe around its border, giving a plain white duvet insert a sense of playfulness and occasion.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But all is not lost for those needing a laugh at Noem’s expense, or at the expense of the department, for that matter.—
Lorraine Ali
News,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In the background of one verse, Yebba lets out a bellowing laugh.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The trick is whether Anthropic can hold onto its soul in the process.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
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It's riddled with cheffy tricks but not in alienating way.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Lindsay says that Jesse was serious about asking, but that the make-out would be a joking make-out.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
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The women’s team declined their joking invitation and had to explain comments directed at them.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Waggery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waggery. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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