bedevil

verb

bi-ˈde-vəl How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
Definition of bedevilnext
as in to afflict
to cause persistent suffering to a lingering cold bedeviled me for over a month

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bedevil 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 The device aims to compete with traditional game consoles like Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation, which presently sell for $600 and up and are equally subject to the global component shortages that have lately bedeviled consumer electronics companies. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 23 June 2026 Growing tent encampments have bedeviled urban leaders for years. — CBS News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bedevil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bedevil
  1. afflict
  2. plague
  3. persecute
  4. besiege
  5. beset
Verb
  • That means protections for those who have been vaccinated will weaken and wane as the disease afflicts those who haven’t, threatening public health as a whole.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Health advocates consider an official definition of ultraprocessed food a key step toward bringing greater scrutiny to meals that are blamed for multiple chronic health problems afflicting Americans.
    — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of afflict
Verb
  • Airlines around the world are currently plagued by delays in their efforts to deliver new premium offerings — including increasing passenger demand for privacy, high-tech connectivity and inflight entertainment — to meet the surge in air travel.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Klubnik will need to limit the turnovers that plagued him at Clemson during his final season.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of plague
Verb
  • Although the two programs similarly target humanitarian concerns, being a TPS holder does not guarantee asylum, which requires that applicants prove they’ve been persecuted on specific grounds.
    — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In The Bacchae, Dionysus becomes violent only because his existence has been denied and his followers persecuted, and his maenads similarly become destructive only when pursued.
    — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2026
Definition of persecute
Verb
  • The second was navigating a WNBA game with a lineup besieged by injury.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • An American’s home is among those besieged by Israeli settlers.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of besiege
Verb
  • After his conviction for the homicide, prosecutors said, Jester was confined in the Sylmar facility, which has been beset with drug abuse, violence and absent staff.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That could be part of the reason why Illinois suddenly seems to be beset by so many twisters.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of beset

Browse Nearby Words

bedecks
bedevil
bedeviled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bedevil. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of bedevil for Spanish Speakers

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