KNAVISH Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

knavish

adjective

ˈnā-vish

Definition of knavish

as in mischievous

tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a knavish bunch of urchins racing pell-mell through the marketplace

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Example Sentences

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 knavish Wells could be playful, knavish, and his tone here is one of urgency and optimism about the distribution of information. — BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The same people who are now telling us that only Republican-voting obscurantists, ignorant deplorables and knavish right-wing media pundits are raising doubts about the vaccine would have been oozing skepticism. — Gerard Baker, WSJ, 12 July 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knavish

Adjective

Never hearing your voice or seeing that unmistakably mischievous grin that so many people knew and loved?

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
KidSuper founder Colm Dillane has always had a mischievous side.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

Mischa Glooshkoff, aka Michael Graves, has light brown curls, a wicked grin, and a wiry frame—perfect casting for the grand boulevardier who would lead my naïve young father astray.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
There’s also the problem of Angelique’s wicked stepmother, Argan’s gold-digging second wife, Beline.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of wicked

Adjective

In a Harris Poll survey published Wednesday, 65% of American adults reported spending $100 or more on playful activities or products — such as craft kits or action figures — for personal enjoyment between June 2025 and June 2026.

— Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
For Grande, whose ponytail has long been as recognizable as her voice, the new look is a playful departure that still stays true to her vibe.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of playful

Browse Nearby Words

knaves

knavish

knead

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“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavish. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of knavish

adjective

Example Sentences

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