mischievous

[mis-chuh-vuhs] / ˈmɪs tʃə vəs /

ADJECTIVE

devilish, wicked

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impish malicious naughty playful rude sly

WEAK

arch artful bad bothersome damaging dangerous deleterious destructive detrimental evil exasperating foxy frolicsome harmful hazardous hurtful ill ill-behaved injurious insidious irksome malignant misbehaving perilous pernicious precarious puckish rascal rascally risky sinful spiteful sportive teasing tricky troublesome vexatious vexing vicious wayward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

behaved good kind

WEAK

nice obedient

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.

When McKellen does emerge, wearing a blue zip-up hoodie and black sweatpants, he has a mischievous look in his eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

It bursts with insights that mix journalistic acumen with gossip, backed by a score generously seasoned with mischievous violin string plucking.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

As he says this, he cracks a mischievous smile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

These are mischievous fairies of Welsh folklore that resemble humans but possess magical qualities.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Serious, sober—but watch her eyes for a mischievous sparkle.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing mischievous

List 2

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Walk Two Moons

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"Uprising," Vocabulary from the historical novel

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