demonic

adjective

de·​mon·​ic di-ˈmä-nik How to pronounce demonic (audio)
dē-
variants or less commonly demonical
Synonyms of demonicnext
: of, relating to, or suggestive of a demon : fiendish
demonic cruelty
demonic laughter
demonically adverb

Examples of demonic in a Sentence

the villain in the movie cackled with demonic laughter
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There are bodily fluids, jeering crowds, and demonic Punch and Judy puppets applauding through the chaos, giving the scene the air of a demented fairy tale. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026 The design, Hing said, intentionally inverts the traditional characterization of the yeak as an antagonistic or even demonic force. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026 As the Church withdraws its sanction, the exorcists must confront the demonic force alone, pushing their faith to its limits as the entity threatens global annihilation. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026 The original Exorcist, based on the novel by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin, focused on the demonic possession of a young girl and the priests that try to save her. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demonic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin daemonicus, borrowed from Greek daemonikós, from daimon-, daímōn "superhuman power, spirit intermediate between gods and humans, demon" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demonic was in 1642

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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