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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

KidSuper founder Colm Dillane has always had a mischievous side.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
In practice, this mischievous presence ping-pongs between maternal lies and the wholesale impersonation of other people.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of mischievous

Adjective

The 19-year-old center is a powerful, high-end skater who scored eye-popping numbers in junior (62 goals in 65 games in his draft year), and has a wicked, elite release on his shot.

— Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Both family and colleagues spoke about her generosity, her friendship with every major designer on both sides of the Atlantic, her love of food, cats and fast cars, and a wicked sense of humor and strong tennis game.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of wicked

Adjective

Johnson, who previously hosted SNL in 2015 and again in 2020, appears in a playful new promo with the five-piece Baltimore hardcore band and comedian Ben Marshall.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Major brands including BaubleBar and Crocs are putting their own spin on football fandom with playful collaborations and unexpected finds.

— Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 2 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of knavish

adjective

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