make trouble

VERB

act up (misbehave)

Synonyms

WEAK

act out be bad be out of line behave badly carry on fool around horseplay misbehave rebel set a bad example show off

Antonyms

WEAK

behave

VERB

misbehave

Synonyms

STRONGEST

act up fool around trespass

STRONG

deviate fail misconduct offend roughhouse sin transgress

WEAK

be at fault be bad be dissolute be guilty be immoral be indecorous be insubordinate be mischievous be out of line be out of order be reprehensible bend the law carry on cut up do evil do wrong get into mischief go astray go wrong sow wild oats take a wrong turn

Antonyms

STRONG

behave obey

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

make trouble

They’ll make mistakes, they’ll make sacrifices, they’ll make trouble, though no trouble that can’t be fixed with an apology or checkbook or someone to bail them out.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2025

“We know all too well that if someone is determined to make trouble, they will do their best to make trouble.”

From Washington Times ● Sep. 24, 2023

"We don't make trouble for anyone," she insists.

From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2022

"Their overriding message is - do not make trouble," he added.

From Reuters ● Oct. 13, 2022

I try and play it along and just not make trouble for people.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

make trouble

Example Sentences

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