WAGGISH Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

waggish

adjective

ˈwa-gish

Definition of waggish

as in mischievous

tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a waggish disposition that often got him into trouble as a child

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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 waggish The waggish jeer that subverts the Reich Chancellery, designed by Adolf Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer, must have sent the woman who chastises children for flatulent folly into a tizzy. — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 After publishing a New York Times piece about grieving her late husband, the waggish writer received an email from a kindly old acquaintance who was also recently widowed. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 Foreman’s own work was waggish, so the Off Off Broadway Wooster production is frequently tongue-in-cheek. — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waggish

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

wagging

waggish

waggishness

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“Waggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waggish. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of waggish

adjective

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