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

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

Verb

His grandmother had already died of kuru, a disease that mostly afflicted women and children.

— Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
That constraint contributes to the housing crises afflicting these seasonal recreation areas.

— Nancy Forster-Holt, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of afflict

Verb

Poliński said Zosia would likely have been blamed for misfortunes such as disease and famine that often plagued the region in the 17th century, which people sometimes attributed to supernatural activity by the dead.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Frightened that she may be plagued by the same mental illness that felled her mom, Gemma stubbornly refuses to believe anything is wrong.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of plague

Verb

Other Eurasian emperors of the time also did not persecute occult practitioners as Ivan did in the lead-up to the second oprichnina, actions more in line with attitudes in early modern Christian Europe than those common among rulers of Asia.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Many Marranos persecuted by the Inquisition did secretly maintain a Jewish identity.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of persecute

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

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“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bedevil. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bedevil

verb

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