WAGGISH Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

waggish

adjective

ˈwa-gish

Definition of waggish

as in mischievous

tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a waggish disposition that often got him into trouble as a child

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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 waggish The waggish jeer that subverts the Reich Chancellery, designed by Adolf Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer, must have sent the woman who chastises children for flatulent folly into a tizzy. — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 After publishing a New York Times piece about grieving her late husband, the waggish writer received an email from a kindly old acquaintance who was also recently widowed. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 Foreman’s own work was waggish, so the Off Off Broadway Wooster production is frequently tongue-in-cheek. — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waggish

Adjective

KidSuper founder Colm Dillane has always had a mischievous side.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
In practice, this mischievous presence ping-pongs between maternal lies and the wholesale impersonation of other people.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

To avenge an injustice and restore honor, a good yakuza, like Ken-san, would set off alone for a suicidal last stand against his wicked rivals.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of wicked

Adjective

Among them was Chromeo, whose sleek, playful funk sound traveled through the city’s indie and electronic scenes.

— Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
These glasses have plenty of personality with playful prints, unexpected motifs, and fun patterns.

— Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of playful

Browse Nearby Words

wagging

waggish

waggishness

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“Waggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waggish. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of waggish

adjective

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