1
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
as they grew older, they lost much of their youthful mischievousness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
bored kids often engage in a certain amount of mischievousness during the long summer vacation
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Recent Examples of mischievousness
Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievousness
Noun
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There’s a playfulness, there’s a twinkle in the eye, there’s a sort of tongue in the cheek to that sort of tradition.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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In an era where trust in leadership is at an all-time low, playfulness is a competitive advantage.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Mom was hit with a felony charge of criminal mischief and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
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Schuman now faces a felony count of robbery by sudden snatching in addition to three misdemeanors — one count of battery, one count of petit theft and one count of criminal mischief, court records show.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Mischievousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievousness. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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