as in mischievous
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior
told her to act her age and stop throwing temper tantrums like a naughty little girl
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of naughty
The home needed to display her naughty sense of humor too.
—
Julie Vadnal, Architectural Digest, 18 Mar. 2026
These plays are often brilliant, and even lesser variants are fun to watch, because piñata-whacking itself is a naughty thrill, a cathartic fantasy for anyone with a family and/or a secret.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026
Yes, keep track of who is being naughty or nice.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Your little girl was a little -- your littlest girl was a little naughty.
—ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naughty
Julie Vadnal, Architectural Digest, 18 Mar. 2026
These plays are often brilliant, and even lesser variants are fun to watch, because piñata-whacking itself is a naughty thrill, a cathartic fantasy for anyone with a family and/or a secret.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026
Yes, keep track of who is being naughty or nice.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Your little girl was a little -- your littlest girl was a little naughty.
—ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naughty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naughty
Adjective
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Choi produced a mischievous grin.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
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This is a high-spirited opening for curious neighbors and travelers alike, with a mischievous sense of fun that firmly roots guests in their destination.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Or worse, to turn it into a sort of prison sentence.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Still, from his horns and tattoos to the double-bladed lightsaber, Maul's bad-guy chic was hard to beat.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naughty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naughty. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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