Crosslinkable polymeric compositions for use in, for instance, cable insulation layers, comprise an ethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, a crosslinking coagent, and a methyl-radical scavenger comprising at least one derivative of 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (“TEMPO”), wherein ratio of crosslinking coagent to organic peroxide is less than 1.72:1 on a molar basis. A crosslinked article prepared from a crosslinkable polymeric composition is also disclosed, the crosslinkable polymeric composition comprising, inter alia, a methyl-radical scavenger comprising at least one TEMPO derivative. In addition, a coated conducttor comprising a conductive core and a polymeric layer at least partially surrounding the conductive core is disclosed, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric layer comprises the crosslinked article.