EVIL Synonyms: 396 Similar and Opposite Words

evil 1 of 2

noun

Definition of evil

as in bad

that which is morally unacceptable our free will allows us to choose between good and evil

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evil

2 of 2

adjective

ˈē-vəl

as in harmful

causing or capable of causing harm drank an evil potion

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as in immoral

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable their evil deeds rank among the worst in history

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as in ugly

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment she refused to eat olives or anything which had their evil flavor

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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 evil

Noun

East of Eden, Steinbeck draws from the Bible to weave a complex, multi-decade story of two families and the struggle between good and evil. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Currently residing in the Further, Elise explains that Cyrus and his cronies plan to unleash their evil in the land of the living. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Adjective

There’s no greater bond than women who accidentally killed their evil boss together. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 Society perceives fathers who kill to be evil, but certain mothers appear to be presumed mentally ill. — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for evil

Noun

In addition to public goods, AI will also create public bads.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
Naturally, the meeting is a flop because no one was prepared, and their spontaneous ideas are frankly fireable-offense bad (a baguette bag shaped like a baguette for Paris?

— Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025

Definition of bad

Adjective

But fasted training isn’t necessarily harmful to muscle gain, Maroldi adds.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
What’s considered harmful to minors can be subjective, and this is where experts believe laws requiring age verification can run afoul of the First Amendment.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

But the core four aren’t the only transplants from Woodsboro, as Ghostface soon rears its ugly head, directly targeting them and whomever else is caught up in their orbit.

— Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
Especially if ugly seasons like last year pile up and the problem continues to snowball.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of ugly

Noun

Ultimately, the level of documentation should reflect the consequences of getting the record wrong.

— Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Salazar’s attorney, George Rosenstock, argued in court filings that his client could not distinguish right from wrong or understand the nature of his actions at the time of the attack.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of wrong

Adjective

The most dangerous place on the field in the third quarter was your own 38 yard line!

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
ShotSpotter offers targeted detection of a dangerous event versus technology like Flock's indiscriminate collection of innocent people's movements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of dangerous

Adjective

He is charged with official misconduct in the first degree, which is punishable by up to 12 months behind bars, if convicted, and unlawful access to a computer in the fourth degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 90 days.

— Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026
Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of unlawful

Adjective

There is real hope of a postseason push, with the disgusting state of the American League leaving the door open for any team that dares to play well.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
This whole situation is discriminatory, disgusting, and quite frankly, Orwellian.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of disgusting

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evidently

evil

evildoer

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evil. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of evil

noun

adjective

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