as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the children always concoct some sort of devilishness on Halloween
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilishness
Noun
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The electric version starts the same, but that plaintive wail sounds more like a call to mischief.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025 -
When a mysterious prankster befalls the town of Middlesburg, 13-year-old Frances McCausland (Erin Chambers) gets blamed for the mischief.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The profile of this shoe is one that feels inherently familiar, but childlike playfulness is also secured vis-à-vis the fluffy sheepskin that seems to overflow from its color-happy laces.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
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Perched at the top of the building, a triplex penthouse spanning more than 3,300 square feet—plus nearly 2,000 square feet of landscaped terraces—embodies Ban’s signature blend of precision and playfulness.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Mustard and vinegar provide the devilment for a flavorful bite, particularly when topped with a scattering of scallions and paprika.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
5 Feb. 2025
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But even if truffles are beyond your pay grade, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had in the sheer devilment portrayed in this informative and appetizing book.—
Eugenia Bone,
WSJ,
10 July 2019
Noun
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Social media users can’t get enough of Chico’s antics, as many lauded his mischievousness.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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When Hedda and Eileen were wild together, Eileen’s drinking and carousing was a problem, but she’s put all that wickedness behind her, mostly thanks to the love of Thea Clifton (a delicate Imogen Poots), who has also just arrived at the mansion for the world’s worst party.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
8 Sep. 2025
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Starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland, the two-minute clip teases a relationship on the brink, influenced by the unfolding wickedness around the couple.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
18 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Devilishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilishness. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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