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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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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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
Sent to New York to retrieve his devilish brothers, Nicky spots Cassius (Tommy Lister Jr.), in the form of a referee (Dana Carvey), causing trouble during a Harlem Globetrotters game, so much so that the fans are on the verge of rioting.
—
Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 28 July 2025
Liam McNeeley’s eyes widened, preceding a devilish smirk.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Democrats are experiencing a devilish glee as MAGA World clashes over the Trump administration’s push to defuse conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 9 July 2025
The sisters lean into their legacy of witchcraft to battle evil in the form of a devilish ex-boyfriend.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 28 July 2025
Liam McNeeley’s eyes widened, preceding a devilish smirk.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Democrats are experiencing a devilish glee as MAGA World clashes over the Trump administration’s push to defuse conspiracy theories surrounding the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 9 July 2025
The sisters lean into their legacy of witchcraft to battle evil in the form of a devilish ex-boyfriend.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
Adjective
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A level 2 of 4 threat for excessive rainfall is in place for parts of eastern New Mexico and western Texas due to rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible in the heaviest storms.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
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The government's initial response, which blamed opposition factions rather than acknowledging excessive force, further inflamed tensions.—
Sonal Nain,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In Nioh 2, players create a custom character to explore a supernatural Sengoku-era Japan and battle demonic entities.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Sep. 2025
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The movies follow their demonic adventures and include spin-offs of some of the scarier characters.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Pomegranate Margaritas Inspired by the Fourth of July cookout, these bright, fruity margaritas capture Belly’s playful and mischievous side.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Sep. 2025
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The finale opens with a sneaky cello solo answered by a mischievous violin line.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ceramic parts are known for their resilience in extreme environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Sep. 2025
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With Kennedy at the helm of HHS, major medical organizations have expressed extreme alarm about restrictions to COVID-19 vaccines that have already taken place and warned of potential further restrictions to routine childhood vaccines.—
Sony Salzman,
ABC News,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whatever, Dever quickly recanted her earlier precise testimony to the FBI about the sinister doings by those two dodgy cops behind Karen Read’s SUV.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Haunted Carwash was the sinister concoction of spooky enthusiasts Long Vo and Veronica Young of Huntington Beach.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both are wicked smart brainiacs on a tireless quest to do good in the world.—
Natasha Stoynoff,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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As the mystery unravels from multiple POVs, Alex’s kooky aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan) is revealed as the orchestrator of the tragedy — her fiery orange hair, nimble fingers, ghostly face and wicked crimson smile a memorable image that haunts the narrative.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Malik Heath’s insane toe-tap grab on the sideline, which was reversed after video replay review, was a massive 37-yard swing for the Packers during the drive.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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None of their other work, arguably, has had the seismic impact or inspires the same insane quotability as This Is Spinal Tap.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Mixing prints takes the trend to an even more playful approach, so have fun combining plaids with stripes and dots with florals.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Sep. 2025
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At the Collina Strada show, where founder and creative director Hillary Taymour often presents a playful but politically salient concept, models came out in twos.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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