Synonyms of diabolical

diabolical

adjective

ˌdī-ə-ˈbä-li-kəl 

variants or diabolic

as in demonic

of, relating to, or worthy of an evil spirit

the police quickly mobilized to track down the diabolical criminals before they struck again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• demonic
• sinister
• malicious
• satanic
• fiendish
• devilish
• demoniac
• wicked
• evil
• vicious
• infernal
• Luciferian
• cruel
• ferocious
• demonian
• malignant
• malevolent
• hellish
• savage
• cacodemonic
• heinous
• nefarious
• vile
• monstrous
• villainous
• iniquitous
• baleful
• immoral
• barbarous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• angelic
• celestial
• heavenly
• benign
• benevolent
• beneficent
• holy
• moral
• good
• godly
• ethical
• virtuous
• saintly
• righteous
• benignant
• sainted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of diabolical

The actress also had a memorable guest turn on The Vampire Diaries and reunited with Ben McKenzie for a diabolical three-episode run on Gotham. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

Super-secret spec-ops military squads facing off against the next diabolical terrorist threat. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Pinnock, in particular, is at his best here, showcasing a diabolical cruelty and terrifying manipulation, elevating the story and the show to a different level. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026

At Saul's request, the witch summons what appears to be the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel, who foretells Saul's death in battle — raising the question of theodicy, or why an all-powerful God would allow an apparently diabolical act to occur. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!