wickedness

noun

ˈwi-kəd-nəs How to pronounce wickedness (audio)
Definition of wickednessnext
1
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm a couple of live wires who got into all kinds of wickedness during their vacation in Las Vegas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sinfulness
the state or quality of being utterly evil the movie featured a villain of unadulterated wickedness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 wickedness Given that Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) has given the town of Oz the illusion that Glinda is the force of good magic protecting them from Elphaba's wickedness, the bubble — which is operated by foot pedal — allows Glinda to appear magical. — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025 The crucial role of the broomstick in the Wicked movies—and earlier Wizard of Oz stories—reflects a long history of women’s mobility being connected to perceptions of wickedness, as women reclaimed a tool of domestic labor to gain both physical and social liberation. — Time, 21 Nov. 2025 Unlike horror movies built on shadowy boogeymen bouncing out of the dark, The Witch's tone stays quiet, swarming around themes of bewitchery, black magic, and wickedness without overdoing it. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 Seedy wickedness on the corner Despite periodic police raids, this seedy wickedness flourishes. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for wickedness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wickedness
  1. mischief
  2. sinfulness
  3. playfulness
  4. badness
  5. devilment
  6. atrocity
  7. evilness
Noun
  • Neverson was charged with a felony count of second-degree mischief for an unrelated disturbance.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
  • In a nicely balanced performance, Alejandra Villanueva’s Mistress Quickly, the play’s go-between and overseer of mischief, embodies the free and easy spirit of Simon’s production.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of mischief
Noun
  • But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.
    — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of sinfulness
Noun
  • There is a heaviness and sorrow to that wise, ingenious goddess that obscured the character’s power and playfulness—a choice made by Nolan, no doubt to emphasize his dark themes.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • But Barley’s playfulness began to reemerge in May 2024, when a 4-day-old Pekin duckling named Louie arrived, thanks to a Facebook post from an elementary school teacher looking to rehome two ducklings.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026
Definition of playfulness
Noun
  • On one side, a satanic figure named Randall Flagg who gathers his forces of badness to Las Vegas; on the other, the good guys, led by 108-year-old Mother Abigail in, of all places, Boulder.
    — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The show premiered over Thanksgiving weekend, when people were tired and full and bored (and probably also horny), and countered our world’s unceasing badness with its world’s buoyant sweetness.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
Definition of badness
Noun
  • Mustard and vinegar provide the devilment for a flavorful bite, particularly when topped with a scattering of scallions and paprika.
    — SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025
  • But even if truffles are beyond your pay grade, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had in the sheer devilment portrayed in this informative and appetizing book.
    — Eugenia Bone, WSJ, 10 July 2019
Definition of devilment
Noun
  • Improved monitoring and evidence, including evidence of atrocities and the use of starvation as a weapon, need to be supported if there is to be effective assistance and accountability.
    — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Supporters see the Colombian tribunal as a landmark that helped end Latin America’s longest-running guerrilla insurgency and hold those responsible for atrocities accountable.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of atrocity
Noun
  • That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.
    — William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of evilness

Browse Nearby Words

wickedly
wickedness
wicket
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Cite this Entry

“Wickedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wickedness. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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