diablerie

noun

dē-ˈä-blə-(ˌ)rē How to pronounce diablerie (audio)
Definition of diablerienext
1
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm the boy, who was once filled with diablerie, grew up to be a staid and rather dull man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sorcery
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means since the common folk had an unshakable belief in a personal devil, a charge of diablerie was taken seriously

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 diablerie Other scholars, however, downplay the book’s diablerie, viewing the Pequod’s captain instead as an admirably heroic overreacher or a latter-day Prometheus facing down the gods, fate, the uncaring universe. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Groyperism is as much about fandom and diablerie as a set of principles. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diablerie
  1. mischief
  2. sorcery
  3. playfulness
  4. witchcraft
  5. devilment
  6. magic
  7. rascality
  8. wickedness
Noun
  • Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Ryan faces multiple charges, including criminal mischief and resisting an officer.
    — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischief
Noun
  • The two of them crafted a business plan for a bookstore, one that wouldn’t look out of place in a sword and sorcery fantasy novel, with a hidden speakeasy.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the sorcery of the dance floor is that this is never happening to only one dancer.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • Mazzoli’s score has its moments of playfulness, starting with the prologue in which the chorus members blow into kazoos.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Burnt out and bored, people started reincorporating playfulness into their lives with outfit updates and bedazzled everything.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of playfulness
Noun
  • For centuries, black cats have been linked to bad luck, witchcraft and evil, leading to fear and mistreatment.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Weaving, in particular, has long been associated with witchcraft.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • Mustard and vinegar provide the devilment for a flavorful bite, particularly when topped with a scattering of scallions and paprika.
    — SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025
  • But even if truffles are beyond your pay grade, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had in the sheer devilment portrayed in this informative and appetizing book.
    — Eugenia Bone, WSJ, 10 July 2019
Definition of devilment
Noun
  • For The Times) Grandparents sitting in the football bleachers offer moments of magic at high school football games.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But their luck evaporated in the desert, where the Diamondbacks discovered some magic of their own.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of rascality
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

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diablerie
diableries
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Cite this Entry

“Diablerie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diablerie. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diablerie

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