wicked 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwi-kəd How to pronounce wicked (audio)
Definition of wickednext
1
as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable a wicked urge to steal just for the sake of stealing

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2
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness a wicked grin on his face when he said that

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3
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses rotting eggs create a truly wicked stench caused a rash with a wicked itch

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4
as in dangerous
causing or capable of causing harm a wicked insult that deeply hurt his self-esteem for many years

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wicked

2 of 2

adverb

as in extremely
to a great degree we were wicked excited when our team finally won the pennant after so many years

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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 wicked
Adjective
One day, she is captured by the wicked pirate Peg Leg Olle, and meets the resourceful cabin boy, Hannes, and his pet bird. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026 Well known for his wicked sense of humor, O’Donnell traveled to Russia, China and elsewhere to train local writers and directors in the art of the American sitcom. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026 To avenge an injustice and restore honor, a good yakuza, like Ken-san, would set off alone for a suicidal last stand against his wicked rivals. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wicked
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wicked
  1. evil
  2. mischievous
  3. unpleasant
  4. dangerous
  5. extremely
  6. sinful
  7. playful
  8. harsh
Adjective
  • Americans are up in arms about the much broader graft practiced by much of the political class, not just by its evil faux-king.
    — Larry Wilson, Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Some stories can harden moral perception, of course, pushing us to dichotomize the purely good and the purely evil, as in the moral pornography of superhero comics and revenge flicks.
    — Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of evil
Adjective
  • The suit attempted to relitigate the eligibility of a mischievous independent Senate candidate who shares the same first and last name as the Republican incumbent, Dan Sullivan.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Her dancers contort and gyrate not only to music but to the mischievous natter of recorded dialogue, to the sound of wind and the hiss and lurch of a train.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of mischievous
Adjective
  • George is being extremely unpleasant toward everyone and seems to be moving toward a breakdown.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Consumers across the country have described to CBS California Investigates, and in hundreds of online reviews, their unpleasant experiences at the stores, alleging they were pressured to make purchases worth thousands of dollars.
    — Amy Corral, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • Though Awawdeh was friendly, Jontay knew that he was connected to some dangerous associates, including the Gambino crime family in New York.
    — New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
  • But the proliferation of inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) aerial drones has made this incredibly dangerous.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of dangerous
Adverb
  • How Cube Steak Is Used and Cooked Cube steak is extremely versatile.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • California has gotten extremely soft on accountability with youth.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of extremely
Adjective
  • Judaism teaches that human beings are not inherently sinful, destructive or a detriment to the world.
    — Meir Moscowitz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
  • My prescribed low-carb, caffeine-free diet sounded horrifying on paper, but my sinful pleasures were replaced with a tasty, high-quality, and healthy alternative that left me more energized.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of sinful
Adjective
  • Brooklinen and Boll & Branch have breathable everyday essentials covered, while Nickey Kehoe brings a more playful approach to bedding with colorful patterns and unexpected designs.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This transition from outside to inside, from past to future, is a perfectly playful introduction to The Shinmonzen, which is skilled at balancing a lightness of touch with a seriously luxurious hotel experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of playful
Adjective
  • Martha Stewart is asking Americans for forgiveness after her Halloween costume drew harsh criticism.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Held without charge, al-Sakani says he was subjected to harsh conditions, including sleep deprivation, inadequate medical care and the withholding of medication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of harsh

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whys
wicked
wickedly
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Cite this Entry

“Wicked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wicked. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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