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
  • Neverson was charged with a felony count of second-degree mischief for an unrelated disturbance.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
  • In a nicely balanced performance, Alejandra Villanueva’s Mistress Quickly, the play’s go-between and overseer of mischief, embodies the free and easy spirit of Simon’s production.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of mischief
Noun
  • These are some of man's most sorcery-like achievements, providing materials with excellent engineering properties.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Come to Eternia, the mythical home of flying dragon-like creatures, and swords, and sorcery, and spaceships — really, all the stuff a 12-year-old science fiction fanatic loves.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • There is a heaviness and sorrow to that wise, ingenious goddess that obscured the character’s power and playfulness—a choice made by Nolan, no doubt to emphasize his dark themes.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • But Barley’s playfulness began to reemerge in May 2024, when a 4-day-old Pekin duckling named Louie arrived, thanks to a Facebook post from an elementary school teacher looking to rehome two ducklings.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026
Definition of playfulness
Noun
  • Helen’s famous face has been disfigured, presumably by her angry husband, Menelaus; the sorceress Circe uses her witchcraft in self-defense, seemingly as a result of traumatic encounters with men.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • The film also stars Anne Hathaway as Odysseus’ wife, Penelope; Tom Holland as their son, Telemachus; Pattinson as the Ithacan suitor, Antinous; Zendaya as goddess of wisdom, Athena; and Charlize Theron as goddess of witchcraft, Circe.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 July 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
  • Caribenya’s magic, and Pimienta’s real achievement, is a record that beautifully slips through your fingers.
    — Maria Nenet Barrios, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • The fourth star and a fairytale send off for Lionel Messi earned through lots of grit, fighting spirit and a bit of magic evaporated into the East Rutherford, New Jersey, air.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 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
  • Max Cady should be an unsettling interruption, a man who undermines our ideas of right and wrong through his nonchalance about his own wickedness; here, the most unsettling thing about him are those teal contact lenses.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • On the day of Cal and John's Sabbath fight over Cal's hair, Reverend Rose delivers a sermon that focuses on wickedness and fear.
    — Paula Cooper, CBS News, 5 May 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 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on diablerie

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diablerie

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