troublemaker

1 of 2

noun (1)

trou·​ble·​mak·​er ˈtrə-bəl-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce troublemaker (audio)
Synonyms of troublemakernext
: a person who consciously or unconsciously causes trouble
troublemaking
ˈtrə-bəl-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce troublemaker (audio)
adjective or noun

troublemaking

2 of 2

noun (2)

: the behavior of a troublemaker

Examples of troublemaker in a Sentence

Noun (1) He had the reputation of being a troublemaker in high school.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
That leaves it in a diagnostic gray zone, not quite a harmless freeloader and not always a troublemaker either. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 Netanyahu in the past has attributed the violence to a small number of troublemakers. — Reuters, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 The protests against the underfunding of schools — many of them struggling with dilapidated facilities and insufficient staff — have drawn troublemakers not concerned about the aims of the protest movement as well as unions and political groups. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Hiller plays Aldrict, an old-world vampire who has crossed paths with Liz several times over the centuries and is a bit of a troublemaker. — Peter White, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for troublemaker

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troublemaker was circa 1914

Rhymes for troublemaker

See All Rhymes for troublemaker

Browse Nearby Words

trouble light
troublemaker
troublemaking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Troublemaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troublemaker. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

troublemaker

noun
trou·​ble·​mak·​er ˈtrəb-əl-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce troublemaker (audio)
: a person who causes problems or disagreements

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