Synonyms of bedevil

bedevil

verb

bi-ˈde-vəl 

as in to afflict

to cause persistent suffering to

a lingering cold bedeviled me for over a month

Synonyms & Similar Words

• afflict
• plague
• persecute
• besiege
• beset
• torture
• bother
• torment
• curse
• attack
• agonize
• anguish
• trouble
• harrow
• rack
• excruciate
• assail
• sting
• aggravate
• disturb
• annoy
• pester
• overwhelm
• vex
• irritate
• strike
• harass
• exasperate
• pursue
• irk
• perturb
• oppress
• worry
• agitate
• rile
• molest
• distress
• hurt
• hound
• badger
• dog
• try
• bug
• victimize
• overpower
• fluster
• discomfort
• upset
• discompose
• ride
• smite
• chafe
• gripe
• grieve
• disquiet
• pique
• stab
• put out
• tyrannize
• pain
• harry
• stress
• crush
• wring
• strain
• gall
• grate
• nettle
• smart
• peeve
• get
• hagride
• prick
• rasp
• martyr
• pang

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• assist
• aid
• relieve
• abet
• deliver
• release
• soothe
• comfort
• quiet
• content
• console
• succor
• reprieve
• solace

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bedevil

The team’s dramas coincided with years of wider chaos in the country, as cycles of hyperinflation and bailouts bedevilled its economy. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

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