devilish

adjective

ˈde-vᵊl-ish How to pronounce devilish (audio)
Definition of devilishnext
1
as in demonic
of, relating to, or worthy of an evil spirit a devilish plan to sabotage the other party's political convention

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2
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a devilish grin that told us he was up to something

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount that's a devilish amount of bad luck for any person to have to endure

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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 devilish Each act unfolds over a season, and each season brings with it a devilish new conundrum. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Too little regulation could allow the unleashing of devilish AI that might wipe us out or at least be horrendously destructive. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Even featuring wider fairways than in previous years, some forecasted winds and devilish green complexes should combine to once again mystify the game’s best players. — Jason Sobel, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Ari Millen is the devilish titular character offering kids sweet delights with horrifying results in the trailer for Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man, which dropped on Wednesday. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
  1. demonic
  2. mischievous
  3. excessive
  4. sinister
  5. wicked
  6. extreme
  7. diabolical
  8. playful
Adjective
  • Dorinda’s residence is perhaps the single most iconic location in all of Housewifery because that demonic energy caused friction in every single interaction that took place there.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The better to act out empire’s idea of what disgusting demonic sickness looks like.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of demonic
Adjective
  • The pig, always a bit mischievous, would often eat the dog’s food and hang out with the alpacas.
    — Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Mykal-Michelle Harris from Raven’s Home guest stars as Ruby, a mischievous moon imp who tricks Vee.
    — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • His decision to have Sale close out Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series and throw 21 pitches was cast as excessive.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Swift appears as a spectral figure trying to warn Johnson that, based on her own experience, her rich husband has more sinister intentions than his current bride imagines.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
  • And with its peaks and sharp angles, the home could morph from architectural wonder in the daylight to something more sinister in the shadows of the night.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • The 19-year-old center is a powerful, high-end skater who scored eye-popping numbers in junior (62 goals in 65 games in his draft year), and has a wicked, elite release on his shot.
    — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Both family and colleagues spoke about her generosity, her friendship with every major designer on both sides of the Atlantic, her love of food, cats and fast cars, and a wicked sense of humor and strong tennis game.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • Without intervention, those numbers will only grow as extreme events worsen.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority called upon all motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking and strictly observe lane discipline.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • Almost as soon as Jackie enters her flat there, she is accosted by gunmen, narrowly escaping before learning the diabolical and psychopathic mercenaries, The Seven Demons, have been tasked with ending her life.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Of course, in this case Megatron isn't the diabolical leader of the Decepticons who killed Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, but the most detailed simulation to date of the early universe.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of diabolical
Adjective
  • Johnson, who previously hosted SNL in 2015 and again in 2020, appears in a playful new promo with the five-piece Baltimore hardcore band and comedian Ben Marshall.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Major brands including BaubleBar and Crocs are putting their own spin on football fandom with playful collaborations and unexpected finds.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of playful

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Cite this Entry

“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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