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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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

As a result, critics say, Washington sees Cabello as a necessary evil. — Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026 Perhaps the Cavaliers saw Mitchell's extension as a necessary evil in their pursuit of James. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Adjective

Thatcher’s Elle is trying to reconnect with her disreputable father while battling an evil stepmother and trying to avoid a brutal serial killer. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 July 2026 Raised to be evil by her mother, Maleficent, Dove Cameron’s Mal eventually grows into her humanity. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 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

The Australian watchdog's claim, filed to the federal court Wednesday, said the unlimited broadcast size of Telegram channels meant the app must take responsibility for culling harmful material.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
During the 2015-16 season, for instance, Dungeness crabs off the coast of California were infected by a harmful algal bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia, which causes domoic acid poisoning in crabs, fish, birds and marine mammals.

— Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Definition of immoral

Noun

But the actual healer of sorrow and wrong will always be divine Love, understood and expressed through our unselfish desire to help others.

— Margaret Rogers, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026
France fans will be hoping his return to the ranks will help right the wrongs of that night in Berlin.

— Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Definition of wrong

Adjective

Despite Penta's aggressive offense and dangerous maneuvers, Gable persevered, ultimately making Penta submit with a decisive ankle lock, securing a triumphant and emotional victory.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Three wildfires are burning in Spokane County, Washington, and thousands of families have been ordered to flee their homes overnight, as state officials warn of an incredibly dangerous situation and brace for what daylight may reveal.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of dangerous

Adjective

The 15-year-old is being held on suspicion of three counts of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 28 July 2026
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber voiced support for the bill in a statement and said the nation’s elections must remain free from intimidation and unlawful interference from any source.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of unlawful

Adjective

The left's most hated author — JK Rowling — has dropped the hammer on the disgusting things that took place at the Indiana Fever-Seattle Storm game earlier this week.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Or when some man behaving like a degenerate gambler plods into Chelsea Gray’s DMs with a disgusting slur.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of disgusting

Browse Nearby Words

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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of evil

noun

adjective

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