ROGUISHNESS Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

roguishness

noun

as in mischief

playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm a bit of childish roguishness that ended up with a window being broken

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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 roguishness The titular nomad needed, perhaps, an actor with a little more mischief and roguishness to sell his transformation from conman to folk hero (Harrison Ford, 55 at the time, may have been a good alternative). — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026 While the film grapples with Dexter’s (Sturgess) addictions and patience-testing roguishness toward her, Hathaway and director Lone Scherfig never land on a compelling reason for Emma to put up with it. — Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roguishness

Noun

View this post on Instagram Vargas was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center), and charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure and criminal mischief.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Larry Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges, New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said late Friday.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

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
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

Definition of devilment

Noun

Instead, Audi has built something that works remarkably well as everyday transportation while keeping a substantial reserve of mischievousness for those moments when an empty stretch of road appears.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s.

— Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026

Definition of mischievousness

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roguish

roguishness

roil

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“Roguishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roguishness. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of roguishness

noun

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