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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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
Liam McNeeley’s eyes widened, preceding a devilish smirk.
—
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Director Ryan Coogler's innovative vampire action movie stars Michael B. Jordan as the twin brothers who come up against a devilish force played with malice by Jack O'Connell.
—Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Democrats are experiencing a devilish glee as MAGA World clashes over the Trump administration’s push to defuse conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 9 July 2025
That’s not all from Blumhouse, thanks to the sumptuous Sleep Awake, which combines A Nightmare on Elm Street with Control, Still Wakes the Deep, and plenty of other devilish influences.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Director Ryan Coogler's innovative vampire action movie stars Michael B. Jordan as the twin brothers who come up against a devilish force played with malice by Jack O'Connell.
—Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Democrats are experiencing a devilish glee as MAGA World clashes over the Trump administration’s push to defuse conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 9 July 2025
That’s not all from Blumhouse, thanks to the sumptuous Sleep Awake, which combines A Nightmare on Elm Street with Control, Still Wakes the Deep, and plenty of other devilish influences.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
Adjective
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A level 2 of 4 threat for excessive rainfall is in place for parts of eastern New Mexico and western Texas due to rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible in the heaviest storms.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
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The government's initial response, which blamed opposition factions rather than acknowledging excessive force, further inflamed tensions.—
Sonal Nain,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Lorraine is haunted by a demonic presence during labor and when the time comes, Judy is stillborn, but the baby miraculously returns to life after Lorraine holds her in her arms.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Those elements, particularly the demonic mirror, did not play a role in the actual Smurl case.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tengbjerg, a fifty-one-year-old former pro soccer player from Denmark, is fit and trim, with a mischievous, no-nonsense brusqueness not generally associated with massage therapists.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
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Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude is run by the virulent and mischievous Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin).—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ketamine therapy’s most common short-term side effects are dizziness and nausea, but in extreme cases, long-term, heavy use of ketamine is associated with memory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract infections, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Tootles’ death disproves this, showing that a hybrid being can die under extreme circumstances.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whatever, Dever quickly recanted her earlier precise testimony to the FBI about the sinister doings by those two dodgy cops behind Karen Read’s SUV.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Haunted Carwash was the sinister concoction of spooky enthusiasts Long Vo and Veronica Young of Huntington Beach.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both are wicked smart brainiacs on a tireless quest to do good in the world.—
Natasha Stoynoff,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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As the mystery unravels from multiple POVs, Alex’s kooky aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan) is revealed as the orchestrator of the tragedy — her fiery orange hair, nimble fingers, ghostly face and wicked crimson smile a memorable image that haunts the narrative.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Malik Heath’s insane toe-tap grab on the sideline, which was reversed after video replay review, was a massive 37-yard swing for the Packers during the drive.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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None of their other work, arguably, has had the seismic impact or inspires the same insane quotability as This Is Spinal Tap.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Like sparkling citrus that feels like late-summer light, warm vanilla and orchard tones for autumn’s cozy neutrals, and playful gourmand notes that give glossy, indulgent energy.—
Allure Editors,
Allure,
10 Sep. 2025
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Known for vibrant color, upcycled materials, and a playful yet political spirit, his work captures the joy and resilience of migration stories.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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