waggish

adjective

ˈwa-gish How to pronounce waggish (audio)
Definition of waggishnext
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a waggish disposition that often got him into trouble as a child

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 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
  1. mischievous
  2. wicked
  3. playful
Adjective
  • Never hearing your voice or seeing that unmistakably mischievous grin that so many people knew and loved?
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • KidSuper founder Colm Dillane has always had a mischievous side.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • To avenge an injustice and restore honor, a good yakuza, like Ken-san, would set off alone for a suicidal last stand against his wicked rivals.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That unholy resurrection gives William some wicked supernatural powers to go along with his slick swordplay.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • In the Re/Icons clip, Cher tugs at the scarf in a playful reference to the show.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In their quiet, playful way, quaking bogs connect us, breaking through age and experience with the simple wonder of motion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of playful

Browse Nearby Words

wagging
waggish
waggishness
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Cite this Entry

“Waggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waggish. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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