as in bad
that which is morally unacceptable
our free will allows us to choose between good and evil
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in harmful
causing or capable of causing harm
drank an evil potion
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2
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable
their evil deeds rank among the worst in history
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3
as in ugly
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
she refused to eat olives or anything which had their evil flavor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of evil
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Its themes of kindness and resilience, of steadfast courage against evil, remain a source of inspiration for these readers, even as their feelings about the books are complicated by so much baggage.
—Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Maria Bamford, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for evil
Noun
Money and jealousy are the root of the play’s evils, with more deadly sins released in a world of posh, uppity arrogance.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Its themes of kindness and resilience, of steadfast courage against evil, remain a source of inspiration for these readers, even as their feelings about the books are complicated by so much baggage.
—Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Well, maybe Neosporin is owned by a giant, evil megacorporation.
—Maria Bamford, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for evil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evil
Noun
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While working together on The Unit, David Mamet once told you that good drama isn’t a choice between good and bad; good drama is the choice between two bads.—
Max Gao,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
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Reports out of fall camp haven’t been super favorable to their offense, and while the defense will, again, be top-notch, a team with this bad of an offense cannot be trusted.—
Austin Mock,
The Athletic,
19 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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The same jury acquitted Lopez of more than a dozen other charges and hung on five counts of sending harmful material to a minor.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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While the video amused viewers, experts warn that repeatedly hitting the snooze button can be harmful.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Michigan State Police said Robert Wilson, 44, of Gaylord, was arrested on March 25 and lodged at the Otsego County Jail on one charge each of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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When the status quo is fundamentally evil and dysfunctional, then Trimming is immoral.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The outcome was already decided – an ugly display of basketball that was never competitive – but potentially losing Doncic proverbially sucked the oxygen out of the visitors’ locker room after the game.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
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Featuring the good, the bad and the ugly, ‘Look of the Week’ is a regular series dedicated to unpacking the most talked about outfit of the last seven days.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Absent that, Blakeman has an excellent case to bring to court to right this wrong.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
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In that sense, the effort to avoid appearing wrong can weaken decision-making.—
Paul Wachtel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Community members and city leaders say the combination of narrow streets, heavy foot traffic and frequent parking maneuvers can create dangerous conditions.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The unlawful increases also affect the basic plan, which saw a 2-euro increase in October 2024.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
3 Apr. 2026
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The teacher, Charissa Newport, faces a charge of unlawful restraint of a child younger than 17, according to the Keller Police Department.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The amount of disrespect shown the Broncos is disgusting.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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Building Alligator Alcatraz and being proud of treating people inhumanely while at the same time stealing money for his charity is disgusting.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evil. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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