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
  • Maybe Canada doesn’t need another billion-dollar weapons system – just a few more hockey sticks and a good dose of patriotic mischief.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The actors who work best are the ones who give themselves over to his sense of mischief and permissiveness.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of mischief
Noun
  • Now, the sorcery of the dance floor is that this is never happening to only one dancer.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • After graduating, Papadopoulos took classes at Hunter College, bonding with classmates over sword and sorcery movies.
    — Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • There’s a playfulness, also seen in the Regent Experience Agent’s classic-with-a-twist ensembles, that feels young and fresh even if the brand has a discreet opulence about it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • There’s so much joy, playfulness, but also a strong sense of sentimentality.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of playfulness
Noun
  • In Conversation Marion Gibson traces the real story behind 17th-century England’s witchcraft panic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In the Middle Ages, Vocelle writes that cats become closely associated with witchcraft, which allowed for men to more widely abuse both women and the animals.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 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 a sweet magic of the South that pours into the cup of style, grandeur, and grace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Jake having this dark magic, with the veins, brings this whole new level of danger to the whole show.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 5 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on diablerie

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diablerie

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