1
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
that's a devilish amount of bad luck for any person to have to endure
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in demonic
of, relating to, or worthy of an evil spirit
a devilish plan to sabotage the other party's political convention
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a devilish grin that told us he was up to something
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devilish
But in between that early exhibit of intricate passing and devilish wide play and those late chances, Arsenal showed a capacity to adapt.
—
James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
She was tricked by the very devilish Zeus, who broke his way into many marriages.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
These devilish tracking cookies were supposedly being killed, until Google hit the pause button last July.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
That wasn’t possible because Pollux was immortal, but despite his devilish nature Zeus had a soft spot in his heart for his son.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
She was tricked by the very devilish Zeus, who broke his way into many marriages.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
These devilish tracking cookies were supposedly being killed, until Google hit the pause button last July.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
That wasn’t possible because Pollux was immortal, but despite his devilish nature Zeus had a soft spot in his heart for his son.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
Adjective
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Botox effectively treats hyperhidrosis by blocking the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2025
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Alcohol and excessive speed were suspected of being involved in the crash, and charges are pending, but not expected to be filed for several weeks.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Bill Skarsgård returns to play Pennywise, the demonic clown that serves as It's most frequently used guise.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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Although perhaps not as crazy as their Berber grandmother, who puts both his addiction and the virus down to the Red Wind, a kind of demonic possession.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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Sure there might be a mischievous mouse-deer stealing fruit from an orangutan, but once the mystery is solved, the two animals comprise on how to share—no harm or conflict intended.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
20 May 2025
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Two decades on, Stitch ranks among Disney’s most ubiquitous characters — especially from a merchandising perspective, as that mischievous mug of his can be seen on backpacks, plush toys, T-shirts and, well, mugs of all sizes.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Hazards differ according to geography, but include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, storm surges, and other severe weather events.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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As a result, military training installations have had to adapt their training schedules to avoid the hottest times of day to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat.—
Bella Kubach,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Though it was written around the time of Malibu’s Woolsey fire, the 14-minute long dirge that encompasses flames in Malibu and a cougar that roams the hills took on a new and sinister meaning in the aftermath of the more recent fires.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
19 May 2025
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With the two men mismatched in temperament and direction, Diller was gone in a year and a half—fleeing one sinister Davis (Martin) for the arms of another, equally sinister one (Marvin), who controlled Twentieth Century Fox.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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This one says that offshore holding companies are wicked and should be penalized.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Of course, the wicked power of this franchise’s best installment extends beyond its initial stretch on a highway to hell.—
A.A. Dowd,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Rhinestone pasties peeked out just beneath the neckline, a playful, unexpected twist that only SZA could elevate.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
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This red bubble bandeau dress is playful, fun and effortlessly coquettish.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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