evil 1 of 2

Definition of evilnext

evil

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adjective

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2
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable their evil deeds rank among the worst in history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of evil
Noun
Jews did not believe that kids were naturally inclined toward evil. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 But beyond the individual horror of this story is a centuries-old question around evil. Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
What kind of evil person steals an elderly woman? Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026 Athena does a sapphire evil-eye look that is super-duper polished. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evil
Noun
  • While working together on The Unit, David Mamet once told you that good drama isn’t a choice between good and bad; good drama is the choice between two bads.
    Max Gao, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Reports out of fall camp haven’t been super favorable to their offense, and while the defense will, again, be top-notch, a team with this bad of an offense cannot be trusted.
    Austin Mock, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • In order to rule in her favor, jurors will have to parse the harmful actions of fellow users — including her high school bullies and adult men sending her unsolicited nudes — from design decisions made by the companies themselves.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Many of these jars contain unknown or poorly documented chemical mixtures that could be toxic to humans or harmful to the specimens themselves if disturbed.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Cooperation feels not only impossible, but immoral.
    Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This also underlines how the admirably, anti-tank Heat are being asked to save civilization, protect The Republic, maintain a sense of morality in an immoral world and protect our children’s tomorrow from an accelerated descent into nihilism.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Further, there is the even uglier spectre of players and coaches themselves fixing games.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Shower Heads Even the most high-end shower heads are not immune to ugly mineral deposits and limescale buildup that can clog the holes.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Knicks merely need to right their wrongs.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • In the hope of righting the wrong of helping Roper fake his death, Angela has also cornered Mayra (Indira Varma), the MI-6 chief who is in cahoots with Roper.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Without reliably cold temperatures, snow is wetter and thinner, conditions are rainier — and for athletes that can be dangerous.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Luge is the most dangerous of the three sliding sports (bobsled and skeleton are the others) — ironic because athletes in that event actually have the most control.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The British government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terror group has been deemed unlawful by London’s High Court.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Lawsuits hamper National Guard deployments Every deployment except the one in New Orleans has faced significant legal challenges, with multiple judges ruling the mobilizations unlawful.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Epstein files reveal plenty of powerful people to have tolerated or participated in disgusting and shameful behavior.
    Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth.
    Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evil. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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