diabolism

noun

Definition of diabolismnext
as in satanism

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 diabolism Both Toth’s notoriety and his victimization stem from Corbet’s flirtation with diabolism as the essence of civilization. — Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025 Whatever their theme — spectral invasion, diabolism, shape-changing — Blackwood expertly builds up an atmosphere of the otherworldly coupled with the spiritually threatening. — Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diabolism
  1. satanism
  2. vileness
  3. wickedness
  4. evil
  5. evilness
  6. badness
  7. heinousness
  8. sinfulness
Noun
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (referred to as EDI by the ALA) titles are also targeted, along with books depicting suicide, drugs, satanism, witchcraft, and profanity.
    — SPIN Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026
  • Some Epstein platform operators are supplementing their thinking with ideas from QAnon and other online conspiracy movements about cannibalism, satanism or the CIA’s experiments with mind control in the 1950s known as MK Ultra.
    — Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 8 May 2026
Definition of satanism
Noun
  • Many have used numbers and moral philosophy to fathom the vileness of slavery in America, for example.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of vileness
Noun
  • Cathy’s treatment of Adam isn’t rooted in innate wickedness, as in Steinbeck’s novel, but personal experience.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Hartnett brings none of the wickedness that made his performance in Trap so much fun, just coming across as flat onscreen even as his character has to navigate some wild turns.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wickedness
Noun
  • How much capacity do people really have to choose between goodness and evil?
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Both Dussehra and Vijayadashami are observed on the 10th day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvina and are associated with the triumph of good over evil.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of evil
Noun
  • That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.
    — William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of evilness
Noun
  • Leaping around in time, Gilroy draws us into Alex’s world with an effervescent wink at the badness of his behavior.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • On one side, a satanic figure named Randall Flagg who gathers his forces of badness to Las Vegas; on the other, the good guys, led by 108-year-old Mother Abigail in, of all places, Boulder.
    — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of badness
Noun
  • The case has captured the nation's attention for several reasons over the years, from the heinousness of the charges and the 1,000 survivors to questions about Epstein's connections to the rich and powerful, including the president.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Definition of heinousness
Noun
  • But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.
    — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of sinfulness

Browse Nearby Words

diabolicalness
diabolism
diabolisms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diabolism. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of galore

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All