diablerie

noun

dē-ˈä-blə-(ˌ)rē How to pronounce diablerie (audio)
Definition of diablerienext
1
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm the boy, who was once filled with diablerie, grew up to be a staid and rather dull man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sorcery
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means since the common folk had an unshakable belief in a personal devil, a charge of diablerie was taken seriously

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of diablerie Other scholars, however, downplay the book’s diablerie, viewing the Pequod’s captain instead as an admirably heroic overreacher or a latter-day Prometheus facing down the gods, fate, the uncaring universe. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Groyperism is as much about fandom and diablerie as a set of principles. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diablerie
  1. mischief
  2. sorcery
  3. playfulness
  4. witchcraft
  5. devilment
  6. magic
  7. rascality
  8. wickedness
Noun
  • Nicole Bottiglierivega Miami-Dade Corrections Nicole Bottiglierivega, 42, faces charges of third-degree grand theft, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, criminal mischief, and resisting an officer without violence.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • With modern elections often decided by extremely thin margins and billions of dollars sloshing through campaigns, both parties have ample incentives and opportunities to gain an edge through mischief involving third parties.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischief
Noun
  • The other Vision is a supernatural manifestation, brought to life via Wanda Maximoff’s sorcery; he is known as Hex Vision.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The two of them crafted a business plan for a bookstore, one that wouldn’t look out of place in a sword and sorcery fantasy novel, with a hidden speakeasy.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • Wang said Pop Mart’s task today is not only to sell a collectible but to preserve a sense of playfulness that people can carry into adult life.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • When Hermès started in 1978, there was a clear ambition—to be as good as its competitors in technique but be different in creativity, materials and playfulness.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of playfulness
Noun
  • For centuries, black cats have been linked to bad luck, witchcraft and evil, leading to fear and mistreatment.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Weaving, in particular, has long been associated with witchcraft.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of devilment
Noun
  • The brutal cold of Sweden’s winters is well documented, but Stockholm has a knack for bringing some special magic even to its gloomiest season.
    — Isabelle Kliger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their fourth-quarter magic is gone, replaced by fourth-quarter illusions.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of rascality
Noun
  • Cathy’s treatment of Adam isn’t rooted in innate wickedness, as in Steinbeck’s novel, but personal experience.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Hartnett brings none of the wickedness that made his performance in Trap so much fun, just coming across as flat onscreen even as his character has to navigate some wild turns.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wickedness

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Cite this Entry

“Diablerie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diablerie. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diablerie

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