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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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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as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the children always concoct some sort of devilishness on Halloween
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devilish
James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
She was tricked by the very devilish Zeus, who broke his way into many marriages.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
These devilish tracking cookies were supposedly being killed, until Google hit the pause button last July.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
That wasn’t possible because Pollux was immortal, but despite his devilish nature Zeus had a soft spot in his heart for his son.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Adjective
But in between that early exhibit of intricate passing and devilish wide play and those late chances, Arsenal showed a capacity to adapt.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
She was tricked by the very devilish Zeus, who broke his way into many marriages.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
These devilish tracking cookies were supposedly being killed, until Google hit the pause button last July.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
That wasn’t possible because Pollux was immortal, but despite his devilish nature Zeus had a soft spot in his heart for his son.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
Adjective
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Manson warns, however, that excessive amounts of vitamin D can lead to a higher calcium level in blood and urine, and some calcification may occur in the blood vessels and in the soft tissue.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
27 May 2025
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The excessive heat watch will be in effect from 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, through 11 p.m. Saturday, May 31, according to the National Weather Service.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Gale next donned a demonic doll suit as Chucky in Child's Play.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
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Is a demonic doll touring the U.S. to blame for the mishaps in Louisiana?—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Two decades on, Stitch ranks among Disney’s most ubiquitous characters — especially from a merchandising perspective, as that mischievous mug of his can be seen on backpacks, plush toys, T-shirts and, well, mugs of all sizes.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
20 May 2025
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Sure there might be a mischievous mouse-deer stealing fruit from an orangutan, but once the mystery is solved, the two animals comprise on how to share—no harm or conflict intended.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Roberts, who often looked to me like an English schoolboy—rumpled shirt, rep tie—had worked with Tina to transform the British magazine Tatler from a staid society rag into a place of mischief.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
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Kia has been charged with third-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief and animal torture, police said.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Hazards differ according to geography, but include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, storm surges, and other severe weather events.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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As a result, military training installations have had to adapt their training schedules to avoid the hottest times of day to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat.—
Bella Kubach,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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By the end of the season, President George W. Bush arrives at the family’s doorstep, masquerading as Rumi’s friend while barely concealing his sinister intentions.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
2 June 2025
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Idyllic getaways unravel into haunting mysteries, exposing the sinister secrets lurking beneath sunlit shores, mountain retreats and bustling boardwalks; Jessica Biel narrates.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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This one says that offshore holding companies are wicked and should be penalized.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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One scene in the school pool does a particularly wicked job of emphasizing Ducournau’s strengths, as the director makes a visceral, bloody spectacle of Alpha’s social pariah status.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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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
Cite this Entry
“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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