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 knavish Wells could be playful, knavish, and his tone here is one of urgency and optimism about the distribution of information. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2021 The same people who are now telling us that only Republican-voting obscurantists, ignorant deplorables and knavish right-wing media pundits are raising doubts about the vaccine would have been oozing skepticism. Gerard Baker, WSJ, 12 July 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knavish
Adjective
  • And no one can remain beautiful, in the same way, forever, though Kilmer’s mischievous, take-no-prisoners smile hadn’t changed much.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This type of behavior isn't unusual for the mischievous pair.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Well, that and 98-mph fastballs and wicked breaking pitches.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Chances are its uninhibited critique of privilege, political satire, and wicked social commentary would be softened or edited out.
    Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pearl Breed: Pit terrier mix Age: 2 years old Pearl is a cuddly, goofy, playful pup looking for her forever home.
    Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The alternating worlds are meant to be playful, but Toontown especially gets exhausting quickly, with characters mugging, clowning and amplifying every limp punchline.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knavish. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!