Simple Definition of devil's advocate

from our Learner's Dictionary

devil's advocate

noun

plural devil's advocates
: a person who expresses an opinion that disagrees with others so that there will be an interesting discussion about some issue
Teachers often play devil's advocate to provoke discussion in the classroom.

Cite this Entry

“Devil's advocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/devil%27s%20advocate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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