knavish

adjective

ˈnā-vish How to pronounce knavish (audio)
Definition of knavishnext
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a knavish bunch of urchins racing pell-mell through the marketplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. mischievous
  2. wicked
  3. playful
Adjective
  • The bride and groom both wore custom Christian Dior looks designed by Jonathan Anderson, who’s known for elaborate, mischievous designs.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Months after Scary Movie's release, Abrahams starred as the mischievous Denny Byrnes in Meet the Parents (2000).
    — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Has Sugar’s inherent decency become something of a moral palate cleanser for Oz’s wicked ways?
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • The bar program is playful, colorful and communal — expect to see a little something for everyone.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The playful exchange is the latest glimpse into the couple's famously candid relationship.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of playful

Browse Nearby Words

knaves
knavish
knead
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Cite this Entry

“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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