BEDEVILS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

bedevils

verb

present tense third-person singular of bedevil

as in plagues

to cause persistent suffering to a lingering cold bedeviled me for over a month

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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 bedevils Even so, a violent curse bedevils them, a sophisticated feat of careful writing and directorial sensitivity that sets Chiarella apart from the gorehounds. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 David Walliams’ story of the Meek family and the whimsical monster that bedevils them is now a family film, thanks to Taika Waititi and director Jeffrey Walker. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 Visit our website Demographic concentration bedevils the goal of integration. — Ray Domanico, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026 The question that bedevils many Internet companies revolves around who is ultimately liable for violations of users’ data rights. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bedevils

Verb

The depression that plagues him in winters is nowhere to be found.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
Walker, who leads the NFL with 360 rushing yards, also is adept at avoiding an issue that plagues many ball carriers and receivers in the NFL.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of plagues

Verb

Ortega brings the right wide-eyed wonder to this kindly android that just wants to be Josie’s pal, having no idea about a secret medical condition that afflicts Josie.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Speaking to Variety ahead of the market, Mackinnon says the show takes its title from the chronic burnout that afflicts emergency workers on the job.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of afflicts

Verb

China, which jails human rights activists in Hong Kong, persecutes Uyghurs, has killed hundreds of thousands of Tibetans and has committed genocide against the Falun Gong, is on the UN Human Rights Council.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
In Russia, the civilian repressive apparatus persecutes the military, which leaps at every chance for revenge.

— Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

Definition of persecutes

Verb

At first, all signs point to Bobby, including a mercenary who survived the attack on Halstead Manor that Eddie tortures to extract information.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
On his latest Hyperdub release, the Japanese producer born Takahide Higuchi sings more than on previous records but tortures his voice through a gauntlet of pitch-shifter effects.

— Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026

Definition of tortures

Browse Nearby Words

bedevilments

bedevils

bedew

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“Bedevils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bedevils. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bedevils

verb

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