archness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fukuhara’s extra beats between lines, slow-forming, knowing smiles, and general get-me-away-from-these-philistines archness rescue mediocre jokes before her quick bursts of ebullience remind us that Nancy would rather make over her wardrobe-challenged classmates than mock them.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

She is played with archness and authority and hip-swinging sass, shot through with vulnerability, by Clare Perkins, who has traded in those red stockings for a cold-shoulder dress and some very high heels.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2023

Now, they are buzzing with memes, videos and messages of congratulation, but also a strain of sceptical archness.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2022

All the chapter titles end in “y,” adding to a general mood of effervescent archness.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2021

Despite the archness of his tone—which normally would have irritated me—there was a melancholy undernote in his voice.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt