eviler or eviller; evilest or evillest
1
2
a
archaic
: inferior
b
: causing discomfort or repulsion : offensive
an evil odor
c
: disagreeable
woke late and in an evil temper
3
a
: causing harm : pernicious
drank an evil potion
b
: marked by misfortune : unlucky
fallen on evil times
1
a
: the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing
the evil that befell them
believed the world was full of evil
b
: a cosmic evil force
2
: something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity
—often used in the plural
the evils of alcohol
forced to choose between the lesser of two evils[=between two things that are both bad]
considers paying taxes a necessary evil[=something unwanted that is needed for a good result]
archaic
: in an evil manner
Examples of evil in a Sentence
Adjective
She drank an evil potion.
The city has fallen on evil days.
It was an evil omen.
Noun
the battle of good versus evil
our free will allows us to choose between good and evil
Recent Examples on the Web
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Forces of good and evil collide in a terrifying film where real-world challenges crash headlong into other worldly creatures and myths.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
The series is technically a prequel to 2017's IT and 2019's IT Chapter Two, which were adapted from Stephen King's 1986 epic novel about Derry, Maine, a small town being terrorized by an ancient, child-devouring evil that surfaces every 27 years.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for evil
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.
Adjective
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
Forces of good and evil collide in a terrifying film where real-world challenges crash headlong into other worldly creatures and myths.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
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
The series is technically a prequel to 2017's IT and 2019's IT Chapter Two, which were adapted from Stephen King's 1986 epic novel about Derry, Maine, a small town being terrorized by an ancient, child-devouring evil that surfaces every 27 years.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for evil
Cite this Entry
“Evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evil. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
evil
2 of 2 noun1
: something that brings sorrow, trouble, or destruction
2
: the fact of suffering or wrongdoing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share