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
  • Short enough to read in a single sitting, Sara Gran’s chilling story of an architect succumbing to demonic possession will leave readers stunned and unsettled.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In 1999, demonic rollerblading triplets armed with hockey sticks laid cross-checks on the likes of Bud Cort and Chris Rock in Kevin Smith’s Dogma.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of demonic
Adjective
  • Never hearing your voice or seeing that unmistakably mischievous grin that so many people knew and loved?
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • KidSuper founder Colm Dillane has always had a mischievous side.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • According to a one-year analysis of data collected from San Francisco’s 33 camera locations and other traffic-sensing equipment, excessive speeding — more than 10 mph above the speed limit — dropped nearly 80%.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Brought by Koya’s estate and daughter Nathifa Wright, it’s being heard at Sacramento’s United States District Court and seeks damages for 17 claims, including false detention, excessive force and wrongful death.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Feathers McGraw, the sinister penguin villain from the Wallace & Gromit films, also makes a Hitchcockian cameo.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Other examples are more sinister—for instance, the far-right takeover of Croatian Wikipedia, or efforts by corporations to launder their images.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Well known for his wicked sense of humor, O’Donnell traveled to Russia, China and elsewhere to train local writers and directors in the art of the American sitcom.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • Many of these materials are made from oil, which emits pollutants when burned, driving climate change and fueling extreme weather.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The flooding comes after extreme weather hit the Southwest throughout the week.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • Numerous treatise writers began to insist that anyone who doubts the diabolical empowerment of women-as-witches is self-deluded and dangerous.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of diabolical
Adjective
  • In a Harris Poll survey published Wednesday, 65% of American adults reported spending $100 or more on playful activities or products — such as craft kits or action figures — for personal enjoyment between June 2025 and June 2026.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • For Grande, whose ponytail has long been as recognizable as her voice, the new look is a playful departure that still stays true to her vibe.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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