devilish

adjective

ˈde-vᵊl-ish How to pronounce devilish (audio)
Definition of devilishnext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demonic
of, relating to, or worthy of an evil spirit a devilish plan to sabotage the other party's political convention

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

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 Sealed by consuming a mushroom that sprung from the snowy, barren land (as seen in last week’s episode), Richard’s devilish pact cursed Widow’s Bay for the foreseeable future, binding all those born on it to its grounds — those who try to leave face immediate death beyond its watery borders. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 May 2026 So now my son is doing his version of all that, which is kind of funny to be talking about, like this big devilish fish. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 14 May 2026 The foundational mythic story of bluesman Robert Johnson arriving at a crossroads and giving his soul to the devil in return for some devilish guitar licks has spawned many a play. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026 During the film’s New York City premiere, Hathaway wore a devilish satin red gown. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
  1. excessive
  2. demonic
  3. mischievous
  4. extreme
  5. sinister
  6. wicked
  7. insane
  8. diabolical
Adjective
  • There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall across all of east Central Florida, according to NWS Melbourne.
    — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Importantly, the robot maintained stable locomotion throughout testing, showing that the AI controller could effectively harness passive energy stored in the compliant feet without introducing instability or excessive corrective movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Pane and McKay revealed that British actor Simon Pegg will voice the Balrog, a giant demonic monster who helps Sauron forge the One Ring.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Higuchi was already at home in this rubbery soundworld, but his determination to work out his own feelings in this already frenzied context pushes his music past the cartoonish and into the truly demonic.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026
Definition of demonic
Adjective
  • The former child star played mischievous middle child Randy Taylor on the Tim Allen sitcom.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 July 2026
  • Catching mischievous agents in real time The Hugging Face incident reveals the importance of real-time monitoring.
    — Harry Booth, Time, 24 July 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • The Old Trails Fire – fueled by extreme fire weather conditions – has burned nearly 3,000 acres, Washington State Forester George Geissler said at a news conference Saturday, adding about 4,000 buildings are threatened in the area.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In Montana, the entire east side of the state was under an extreme heat warning Saturday, said weather service meteorologist Jeff Kitsmiller.
    — Tammy Webber, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • There was something so sinister about FIFA pushing the idea of diversity while bending the knee to a government working to discard the real thing.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Outside, the cops, led by a dry sinister officer in a long black leather coat, order him to get on the ground, face down; Sophia comes out of the house and is placed in the back of a car, staring at all this through the glass.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • Ben Affleck and a Jeopardy alum are putting their wicked smarts to good use.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
  • Alli Logout of the punk band Special Interest and rising pop producer Margo XS join forces on a club record whose messy hedonism is matched only by its wicked sense of humor.
    — Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
Definition of wicked
Adjective
  • Dominguez, who was declared legally insane the day after the verdicts, will be sent to a state mental hospital.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • These were two insane asks — a 7-foot giant and an 8-year-old kid who has to be your second lead.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Super-secret spec-ops military squads facing off against the next diabolical terrorist threat.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Pinnock, in particular, is at his best here, showcasing a diabolical cruelty and terrifying manipulation, elevating the story and the show to a different level.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of diabolical

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devilish
devilishly
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Cite this Entry

“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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