evil 1 of 3

Definition of evilnext

evil

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adjective

1
2
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable their evil deeds rank among the worst in history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

evilness

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noun (2)

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
Previously, the movie ended on a grand wide shot of Hellhounds surrounding the house, symbolizing that Mia’s house was the new hub of evil like Norma’s house once was. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025 This supernatural thriller delves into a battle between good and evil, featuring Christopher Walken as the menacing angel Gabriel. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
There’s no forgetting the (quite long) final scene in which the shirtless star does his best to sell a battle between himself and a mostly immobile Satan as nothing less than the ultimate clash between good and evil (while one of Thor’s songs plays on the soundtrack, naturally). Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 But there are many other threats out there, like the evil wizard Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu) who attacks Yennefer’s forces in the climactic Battle of Montecalvo. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness. William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evil
Adjective
  • Specialty cleaners made for glass cooktops don’t contain harmful ingredients like ammonia.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Small settings changes can make a big difference in reducing exposure to harmful or suggestive content.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the idea that Americans came together to help freedom seekers in the face of immoral laws offers hope for America’s truest ideals.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
  • That suits its otherworldly and somewhat formal tone, which takes viewers deep into Japan’s mythical past for a quartet of eerie tales about lonely ghosts and vengeful spirits who bring supernatural justice to selfish and immoral humans.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This was one of the ugliest matches in recent memory; a game that, in isolation, only those fond of trench warfare could love.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Things got a little ugly for Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell this week.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Chicago is facing a dangerous lake-effect snow event early Monday morning.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Two decades ago, when the NFL's base offense consisted of two backs with a blocking tight end and only two wide receivers, an elite cornerback could often take away half of the dangerous receiving options.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Christina Leona Cowens, 41, was initially arrested last week on suspicion of felony grand theft, along with misdemeanor counts of unlawful disposal of human remains and attempting to conceal a death.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Several organizations have sued the administration, saying the cancellations were unlawful and that they are owed thousands of dollars in outstanding expenses.
    NPR, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • By modern standards, kind of disgusting.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
  • But stepping into that closet was really disgusting.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So, a pause from the action after that win didn’t seem too detrimental at the time.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • These politically and financially motivated actions will have a detrimental impact on public health for our consumers in this state.
    Will McDuffie, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There have long been debates in churches about whether just listening to worldly music was sinful, let alone playing it.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025
  • No one knows the cake’s origin, but people like to offer theories on its name: Some say the word devil is a nod to the sinful dark chocolate, reminiscent of devil’s food cake.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evil. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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