1
as in mischief
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the boy, who was once filled with diablerie, grew up to be a staid and rather dull man
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sorcery
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
since the common folk had an unshakable belief in a personal devil, a charge of diablerie was taken seriously
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diablerie
Noun
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The heady sensuality of Aїnouz’s best films (Invisible Life, Madame Satã) is somewhat smothered by the cold cerebral mischief of Filippou’s writing.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026 -
And what good mischief doesn't begin with a little sinful bite?—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The socks demonstrated borderline sorcery in their moisture-wicking ability (thanks to their three-layer construction) and are never cold, despite their outward thinness (Falke’s Polypropylene blend works wonders here).—
Jonathan Thompson,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
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Could this actually be a resurrection of the sword-and-sorcery fantasy sub-genre?—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.—
Ari Stark,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Fans across the globe loved its authenticity, its complex rhythms, the playfulness oozing out of his collaborations with young musicians from San Juan music schools.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This iteration was notably surreal, what with the goopy-faced woman, cartoonish DIY bomb, and witchcraft unlocking true love’s kiss.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
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The movie follows Pastor Hélder, who, as his faith wanes, turns to witchcraft and sacrifice to reclaim it.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Hear how the production team transformed this iconic read into a blockbuster movie through the magic of set design.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Feb. 2026
-
What was real, and what was Hollywood magic, then?—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
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Naturally, such rascality didn't do overall fuel economy any favors; in fact, my average was just 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) over the course of 125 miles at the E 350's helm.—
Peter Nelson,
Ars Technica,
18 Apr. 2024
Noun
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Pearl revels in wickedness, presenting a literary world in which a successful writer’s haughtiness is both encouraged and rewarded.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 Dec. 2025
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But despite this being the internet, there’s no wickedness being thrust around — everyone’s taking the chance to get in on a memeless rollout.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Diablerie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diablerie. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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