mischievous
- 1Liking to cause small trouble for fun, like playing tricks or doing things you shouldn't.
The mischievous puppy chewed one shoe from every pair in the closet.
My little brother gave me a mischievous grin and then hid my phone.
UsageSpell it mischievous (not
incorrect: mischievious).Similarnaughty, impish, playful, roguish, puckish
Oppositewell-behaved, obedient
- 2Causing harm or damage to someone or something.
The doctor said the false story about the medicine was mischievous and could hurt people.
The mayor called the false rumors mischievous and harmful to the town.
Similarharmful, damaging, injurious, pernicious, hurtful
Oppositeharmless, beneficial
Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of mischievous apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From Old French through Middle English; it can also be seen as mischief + -ous.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- The word derives from Old French through Middle English. en.wiktionary.org
- The word can be analysed as mischief + -ous. en.wiktionary.org