fiendish

adjective

fiend·ish | \ˈfēn-dish

\

Definition of fiendish

1 : perversely diabolical took a fiendish pleasure in hurting people

2 : extremely cruel or wicked

3 : excessively bad, unpleasant, or difficult fiendish weather

Other Words from fiendish Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about fiendish

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Examples of fiendish in a Sentence

He takes a fiendish delight in hurting people. a fiendish delight in playing cruel tricks

Recent Examples on the Web

This is one scenario for hurricanes in a warmer world, a subject of fiendish complexity and considerable scientific research, as experts try to tease out the effects of climate change from the influences of natural climate cycles. — David Fleshler, latimes.com, "The world has never seen a Category 6 hurricane. But the day may be coming," 7 July 2018 Let it not be said that there is any less vigor and determination back of the pursuit of the Gordon girl’s fiendish slayer than there would have been had the little victim been white. — Hadley Meares, Los Angeles Magazine, "One of the “Tragic Mysteries in Local History” Has Been All But Forgotten," 7 June 2018 Yet fiendish institutional and legal problems over security abound, and there is little time left to surmount them. — The Economist, "A row over data privacy may upset Britain’s security relations with the EU," 3 May 2018 The divine plan, as seen on TV, is a world in which God designs fiendish plot arcs to eviscerate us all. — Noah Berlatsky, Washington Post, "TV is showing us the dark side of playing God," 5 Jan. 2018 The divine plan, as seen on TV, is a world in which God designs fiendish plot arcs to eviscerate us all. — Noah Berlatsky, Washington Post, "TV is showing us the dark side of playing God," 5 Jan. 2018 Watch the British Open on a linksland course – St. Andrews, say – and take fiendish pleasure in observing players plotting shots as the wind whips their faces sideways. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Paul Daugherty on Masters 2018: Try to avoid getting 'gusted' this weekend," 6 Apr. 2018 The divine plan, as seen on TV, is a world in which God designs fiendish plot arcs to eviscerate us all. — Noah Berlatsky, Washington Post, "TV is showing us the dark side of playing God," 5 Jan. 2018 The divine plan, as seen on TV, is a world in which God designs fiendish plot arcs to eviscerate us all. — Noah Berlatsky, Washington Post, "TV is showing us the dark side of playing God," 5 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fiendish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Time Traveler for fiendish

The first known use of fiendish was in 1529

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More Definitions for fiendish

fiendish

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of fiendish

: very evil or cruel

: extremely bad, unpleasant, or difficult

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