1
as in devilment
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway
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2
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
your mother was full of mischief as a child, believe it or not
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3
as in monkey
an appealingly mischievous person
he's a little mischief who means no harm
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mischief
Such a process would take place outside the political fray, giving both sides the opportunity to offer criticism without being accused of political mischief.
—
Joshua Rovner, The Conversation, 2 July 2025
As a result, Thornton was charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
The Art Newspaper reported that the activist, identified only as Marcel, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief under $5,000 before being released.
—News Desk, Artforum, 24 June 2025
Patrick Francis Mitchell, 70, was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief with damages of more than $1,000, court documents obtained by USA TODAY show.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Joshua Rovner, The Conversation, 2 July 2025
As a result, Thornton was charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
The Art Newspaper reported that the activist, identified only as Marcel, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief under $5,000 before being released.
—News Desk, Artforum, 24 June 2025
Patrick Francis Mitchell, 70, was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief with damages of more than $1,000, court documents obtained by USA TODAY show.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischief
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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Many of the racist stereotypes depicted are negative toward Black people in the United States, showing them as monkeys, absent parents, or criminals.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 July 2025
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Golden sunsets, rocky coves, offshore islands, and abundant wildlife (monkeys, sloths, toucans) add visual richness.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
2 July 2025
Noun
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There may devils in these details Jenkins is a former Detroit City Council president and nonprofit CEO.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
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In retrospect, both fans and Grenier himself have asserted that Nate may be the actual villain of The Devil Wears Prada, and not the titular devil herself.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Donald Trump and Elon Musk and their universe of sycophants who worship wickedness can’t be changed by continues eye contact.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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May God bless the entire Trump administration with swift repentance from this wickedness.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As shown in his previous films, Eggers’ sensibility has roots not in contemporary horror but in stories from centuries past that become vivid and febrile, alive with an insidious devilry that inches under your skin.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
2 Dec. 2024
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That’s enough devilry to explain at least much of Haiti’s challenges without resorting to tales of satanic influence.—
Matthew Brown,
Washington Post,
24 Mar. 2024
Noun
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That’s flimflam, that’s roguery.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2022
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America, this is a level of pure double-dealing, roguery, and downright villainy ne’er witnessed on this television program.—
Ali Barthwell,
Vulture,
7 Sep. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischief. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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