BEDEVIL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

bedevil

verb

bi-ˈde-vəl

Definition of bedevil

as in to afflict

to cause persistent suffering to a lingering cold bedeviled me for over a month

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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 bedevil Moreover, the next stage of negotiations will have to confront more long-standing territorial and political disputes that have bedeviled regional peace. — Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 Indeed, Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure have created major gas shortages that are bedeviling much of the Russian hinterland. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026 Algae blooms have long bedeviled the DC landmark, though the one that broke out in the wake of the renovations appears to have reduced. — James Powel, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Waves of terrorist attacks, clashes between farmers and herders, as well as kidnappings for ransom have bedeviled Nigerian citizens in recent years, stifling economic growth and productivity in many parts of the country. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bedevil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bedevil

Verb

The painful condition, which causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow on other parts of the body, afflicts 1 in 10 women worldwide.

— Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The work continues and the Frates family has maintained the passion that Pete instilled in them in fighting the disease that is still afflicting far too many people.

— Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of afflict

Verb

The leaders of America’s largest transit systems say there are common problems that plague them all, including riders who do not pay their fare on trains and buses, cybersecurity threats and a need to modernize systems.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
For Guhle, this is yet another physical setback among many that have plagued the 24-year-old’s NHL career.

— Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of plague

Verb

Also, some immigration cases involve people seeking asylum because they are being persecuted by a foreign government and releasing a person’s full name could be considered sensitive or even dangerous.

— Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026
The Tates have denied all allegations and have claimed they are being persecuted for their views.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of persecute

Verb

In recent months, Israeli settlers have repeatedly besieged the village of Qusra, defying orders from the authorities to leave the area and trying to force Palestinian families, some of whom are also American citizens, out.

— Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
There has been a spate of Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, and the village of Qusra has been besieged by Israeli settlers for weeks.

— F. Brinley Bruton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of besiege

Verb

George Lucas, for his part, has suggested that bringing the Lucas Museum to fruition—a project beset by delays and controversy that has taken nearly a decade to realize—was a herculean effort.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Andana Films heads to Le Havre with Gaza, a People’s History, which explores the history of Gaza with historians, experts, residents and witnesses of various conflicts that have beset the territory.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of beset

Browse Nearby Words

bedecks

bedevil

bedeviled

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Style

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bedevil. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bedevil

verb

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