1
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
that's a devilish amount of bad luck for any person to have to endure
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demonic
of, relating to, or worthy of an evil spirit
a devilish plan to sabotage the other party's political convention
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a devilish grin that told us he was up to something
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devilish
Courtney is a devilish delight as nutso Aussie fisherman and tourist guide Tucker.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Gaga looks delightfully devilish in a red dress, artfully misapplied lipstick, and fishnets.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 2 June 2025
This immersive musical stage show brings the most devilish foes into our world to figure out, once and for all, who is the most misunderstood.
—Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 21 May 2025
Like the frenzied conductor of a runaway train, Jack Nicholson and his devilish smile drive it all.
—EW.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Gaga looks delightfully devilish in a red dress, artfully misapplied lipstick, and fishnets.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 2 June 2025
This immersive musical stage show brings the most devilish foes into our world to figure out, once and for all, who is the most misunderstood.
—Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 21 May 2025
Like the frenzied conductor of a runaway train, Jack Nicholson and his devilish smile drive it all.
—EW.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
Adjective
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Shifting From Reactive To Proactive Security: Organizations often spend excessive time reacting to rather than preventing threats.—
Bojan Šimić,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Watch for excessive panting, lagging behind, or stumbling.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside Online,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Some even believe mental health symptoms are signs of demonic possession.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
23 June 2025
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Read Next California ‘Feral, almost demonic’ sea creature attacks surfer in California.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The sophisticated audiences of 2025 require a little more grit, more mischievous fun.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Zada lives up to the mischievous troublemaker in Lockhart’s book.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Whether the Ferriers are on foot or in a car, the director choreographs spectacular carnage around them, a visceral cocktail of alien death rays turning their victims to dust, or city infrastructure being demolished with extreme prejudice.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 June 2025
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The evidence is overwhelming that links extreme heat and air pollution to climate change.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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The Academy Award winner looks sinister and well-suited as a leader in some kind of underground workspace (one that resembles a NASA control room and the like).—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
27 June 2025
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But those few seconds don’t erase all the fleeting, sinister impressions that came before — and that turn out not to have been fleeting, after all.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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People used to hang iron on their doors to keep fae and other wicked spirits out at night.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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What makes the series so delightful is Osman’s wicked sense of humor, and the empathy suffused throughout.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Even more recently, Dua Lipa debuted a playful French manicure with white polka dots on black tips, adding even more white spots all-over a couple accent nails.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
5 July 2025
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Ludus refers to playful, game-like love that values fun and avoids deep commitment.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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