impish

adjective

imp·​ish ˈim-pish 

: of, relating to, or befitting an imp

especially : mischievous

impishly adverb

impishness noun

Synonyms of impish

• mischievous
• wicked
• playful

Examples of impish in a Sentence

the gang of impish children ran into the street, utterly oblivious to the traffic

Recent Examples on the Web

The models in the film, meanwhile, run the spectrum from docile to diva — including Evangelista, who’s entreating the camera with an impish smile even while having a little fit backstage. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026

And yet the movie’s central storyline hints at writer-director Bassam Tariq’s inclination to subvert his own brooding-antihero saga, allowing room for unpredictability and the slightest whiff of impish irreverence. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026

Ahead of the comedy’s second season, FX brought on Danny DeVito to play Dennis and Dee’s impish, absentee businessman father, Frank, in hopes that his presence would bring in more viewers. — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impish

adjective

imp·​ish ˈim-pish 

: mischievous sense 3

impishly adverb

impishness noun