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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of mischievous
In his photo, own Wade is smiling, looking mostly innocent — if a bit mischievous.
—
Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Late Thursday, the company released in China the newest Labubu dolls, rabbit-ish toys that have pointed ears, jagged teeth and a mischievous grin.
—Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Many brushed aside the cheeky clip as mischievous teasing between teammates at the time.
—Doha Madani, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025
His joyful, mischievous stage presence is enough reason to go.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Late Thursday, the company released in China the newest Labubu dolls, rabbit-ish toys that have pointed ears, jagged teeth and a mischievous grin.
—Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Many brushed aside the cheeky clip as mischievous teasing between teammates at the time.
—Doha Madani, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025
His joyful, mischievous stage presence is enough reason to go.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievous
Adjective
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Both are wicked smart brainiacs on a tireless quest to do good in the world.—
Natasha Stoynoff,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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As the mystery unravels from multiple POVs, Alex’s kooky aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan) is revealed as the orchestrator of the tragedy — her fiery orange hair, nimble fingers, ghostly face and wicked crimson smile a memorable image that haunts the narrative.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Now, the hit show is getting a naughty makeover as a musical.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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Spencer crafts a delightful enemies-to-lovers romp with enough naughty tennis and pickleball puns to fill a ball machine.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Whatever happens in their final qualifier, against Argentina on Tuesday, La Tri will travel to the World Cup next summer as one of South America’s most dangerous teams.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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To dissidents, she has been seen as a hero putting her life on the line; to Modi’s supporters, as a dangerous subversive who is anti-national and anti-Hindu.—
Anderson Tepper,
The Atlantic,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Like sparkling citrus that feels like late-summer light, warm vanilla and orchard tones for autumn’s cozy neutrals, and playful gourmand notes that give glossy, indulgent energy.—
Allure Editors,
Allure,
10 Sep. 2025
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Known for vibrant color, upcycled materials, and a playful yet political spirit, his work captures the joy and resilience of migration stories.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This was a classic Smith performance with tons of yardage and some risky throws with both good and bad results.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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You were called something much worse, and [it was] accepted.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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According to a five-pillar plan shared with CNBC, Cruz also aims to create federal standards for AI, prevent AI from being used in harmful ways such as scams, allow free speech and address ethical concerns.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Nonfiction narratives that students both read and produce serve as counter-narratives to the oppressive and harmful tropes in media more generally about Black girls and girlhood.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the austerity of her ambitions, there are moments of lush imagination that leaven the tone somewhat, like a dream sequence in which Teresa, furiously making bread in the middle of the night, is teased by an impish child.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Aug. 2025
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With an impish grin, the young star carried the film with the confidence of actors four times his age, landing a Golden Globe nomination for his efforts.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Swift and Lively’s long friendship had been a distinct sub-plot in the IEWU legal battles, with tabloid fodder that the duo have fallen out over the controversy adverse Eras Tour performer getting tainted with the whole thing.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
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The potential adverse consequences to entrepreneurs when well-being is disregarded are well-documented.—
Samantha Dewalt,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Video
'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine
'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.
Cite this Entry
“Mischievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievous. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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