mischievous

adjective

ˈmis-chə-vəs How to pronounce mischievous (audio)
Definition of mischievousnext
1
as in wicked
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness the children had been so mischievous that we had to pay the babysitter extra and then clean up the mess

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naughty
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior punished for their mischievous tricks on the neighbors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
causing or capable of causing harm mischievous gossip that ruined a good teacher's reputation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 mischievous The mischievous elf with pointy ears and a toothy grin made its leap to collectible toy four years later, thanks to China’s Pop Mart. — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 25 July 2025 These plush little monsters with that mischievous smile are all the rage right now. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 July 2025 This mischievous animal has an impressive shoe collection. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 17 July 2025 The sweet little girl and her mischievous blue alien finally give Hollywood its first billion-dollar movie of 2025, with Lilo & Stitch the only studio film to reach the milestone this year. — Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievous
  1. wicked
  2. naughty
  3. dangerous
  4. playful
  5. bad
  6. harmful
  7. impish
  8. adverse
Adjective
  • Similarly, a text grappling with a wicked problem shouldn’t stay limited by the narrow confines of literary genre, instead blending journalism, memoir, fiction, and narrative nonfiction.
    — Melody Glenn July 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
  • Stinging and 'wicked' Asian needle ants are spreading across the US Are invasive tawny crazy ants in Ohio?
    — Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • There are many more unbelievable and naughty moments to come in Stalter’s career, to be sure.
    — Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
  • Roger Brown’s 1983 disco painting of a skeleton in a naughty leather cap embodies both extremes.
    — Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
Definition of naughty
Adjective
  • Sun poisoning is a severe sunburn that can take weeks to heal fully and cause other dangerous symptoms, like dehydration.
    — Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The judge found that Norma conceivably alleged that the social media companies actively directed dangerous content to Zackery based on his age and did not just serve as neutral platforms.
    — Brian Brant, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • Many designs incorporate bold color accents, vibrant greens, reds, yellows, and blues by adding a playful contrast to the metals.
    — Essence, Essence, 29 July 2025
  • The concept: Treat pies like science projects, creating combinations with unique toppings and playful names.
    — Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of playful
Adjective
  • Truth be told, neither outcome would have been a bad choice.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Do not accept the offer, go home and explain to your constituents what bad people the Democrats are, and what a great job the Republicans are doing, and have done, for our Country.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • That might help researchers discover which technology helps what kinds of people best and which makes no impact or is harmful to brain health.
    — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • McNair said any delay in response from school officials and emergency responders are especially harmful.
    — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2025
Definition of harmful
Adjective
  • One of them had even placed an impish rabbit statue in the garden.
    — Mona Awad, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Despite Igor's impish antics, his Facebook posts and TODAY appearance have generated considerable interest from potential adoptive parents.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of impish
Adjective
  • The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private.
    — Simon Perry, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Studies show that drinking prune juice can reduce constipation symptoms without triggering adverse side effects like gas and loose stools.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025
Definition of adverse

Browse Nearby Words

mischiefs
mischievous
mischievousness
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Cite this Entry

“Mischievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievous. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.

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