picaresque
1 synonym for picaresque, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Relating to a style of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish, often likeable, wandering hero.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
roguish
How to use picaresque
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
picaresque novel
picaresque hero
picaresque tale
a picaresque journey
This is a literary term mostly used when discussing fiction and its genres.
Etymology
The word comes from picaro, meaning an adventurer or rogue, combined with the suffix -esque, meaning in the style of. It was modelled on the Spanish picaresco, itself formed from picaro, a rogue.
Full origin of picaresque →Frequently asked questions
What does picaresque mean?
It describes fiction, especially a certain type of Spanish-influenced novel, that follows the adventures of a roguish, wandering main character.
Is picaresque the same as picturesque?
No, the two are often confused because they look alike, but picaresque concerns roguish adventure while picturesque means visually charming or scenic.
Can picaresque describe something other than a novel?
It is mainly used for a particular literary genre and style, though it can describe any story or journey with the same roguish, episodic quality.
