Search Dictionary
Definition of mischievous

mischievous

/ˈmɪs.tʃə.vəs/
mis · chie · vous
Adverb:mischievously
JUMP TO:

mischievous Lexical Profile

mischievous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful, teasing, or harmless way.

Example

"The puppy gave her a mischievous look before running off with her slipper."

2

Intended to cause harm, trouble, or embarrassment, especially by spreading rumors or sowing discord.

Example

"The committee dismissed the allegations as a mischievous attempt to undermine the director's authority."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mischievous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mischievous

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently mispronounced with four syllables as 'mis-CHEE-vee-uhs' and correspondingly misspelled as 'mischevious'; in standard English, the word has only three syllables ('MIS-chuh-vuhs') and no 'i' after the 'v'.

• Nearby Words

mischaracterize
mischarge
mischief
mischievous
mischievously
mischievousness
misclassification

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Anglo-French 'meschevous', from Old French 'meschief' (misfortune or harm), originally carrying a much stronger sense of causing calamity before softening in the 17th century to describe playful trouble.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mischievous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mischievous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.