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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Wilde is at her best when Erika is imperiously giving orders or expounding — in seriousness or mischief?—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026 -
Moss has a lengthy criminal record with convictions, including battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and criminal trespass, police said in earlier court documents.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The piece includes a dramatic fringe skit, with movement and playfulness that contrasted the tailored top.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
16 Jan. 2026
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It was indicated by Michael Serna, executive creative director with Disney Live Entertainment, that such a level of playfulness would continue.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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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Pearl revels in wickedness, presenting a literary world in which a successful writer’s haughtiness is both encouraged and rewarded.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 Dec. 2025
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But despite this being the internet, there’s no wickedness being thrust around — everyone’s taking the chance to get in on a memeless rollout.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Devilishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilishness. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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