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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
a devilish grin that told us he was up to something
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 devilish
Crosswinds — which many players have described as one of Royal Troon’s most devilish challenges — make that practice particularly difficult.
—
Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 18 July 2024
As the tides of fortune spin, so does the boat, allowing lightning designer Kevin Adams to spotlight specific occupants in ghostly green, devilish red, and soft sunrise hues.
—EW.com, 20 Nov. 2024
The joy of Aston Villa's devilish left-sided attacks Cooper's fighting talk is part of Leicester's new combative off-field approach
Confidence.
—New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
Harris' court case attracted lots of attention, with some clamoring for Sam to return to his devilish lifestyle and animal rights activists demanding the chimp be released from his racy conditions.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for devilish 
Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 18 July 2024
As the tides of fortune spin, so does the boat, allowing lightning designer Kevin Adams to spotlight specific occupants in ghostly green, devilish red, and soft sunrise hues.
—EW.com, 20 Nov. 2024
The joy of Aston Villa's devilish left-sided attacks Cooper's fighting talk is part of Leicester's new combative off-field approach
Confidence.
—New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
Harris' court case attracted lots of attention, with some clamoring for Sam to return to his devilish lifestyle and animal rights activists demanding the chimp be released from his racy conditions.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for devilish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilish
Adjective
-
But aggressive fire suppression and inattention to urban overgrowth have left excessive, easy-to-ignite vegetation in many areas.—
Justin Angle,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Forgiveness for students who saw excessive loan interest after 10 or 20 years would likely no longer be an option.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Europe during the Dark Ages, the story sees hordes from Hell invading Europe when the Six Petals, a secret sect of the Knights Templar, pray to God to drive back the demonic scourge.—
Borys Kit,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Charismatic Christian nationalists tend to use the language of prophecy and demonic possession amid calls for God’s direct and immediate intervention in society.—
Liam Adams,
USA TODAY,
13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Travelers in search of mischievous chimps will soon be able to stay at River Station, an eco-chic camp built by Wildplaces Africa near Kyambura, while Great Lakes Safaris is constructing Padibi Lodge on the site of a former Jane Goodall research center in Budongo.—
Alexandra Owens,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2025
-
The video, which went viral on TikTok, shows Brandon cheekily explaining his mischievous plan.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Bucks were forced to cancel their practice across town at Tulane University as the extreme weather conditions made leaving their hotel impossible.—
Eric Nehm,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Both fires occurred during extreme Santa Ana winds that gusted more than 80 mph, a strength characteristic of hurricanes, which created what officials have called a firestorm.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Alaska story represents Perkins’ tireless brainstorming of ways to help and also, perhaps, her blind spot to a more sinister history of American settler colonialism.—
Sara Georgini,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Jan. 2025
-
After Season 1 introduced viewers to the offbeat, sinister world of Lumon Industries, the Innies that make up its workforce, and the Outies compartmentalizing their lives, Season 2 is now unfolding deeper, stranger intricacies that speak to how corporations deal with dissenters.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
His wicked knuckle-curve pairs with a 96-mph fastball.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
-
His wicked point shot is just what Coach Carbs needs for his system of double screens of the goalie.—
Shayna Goldman,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Your voice is insane.—
Mary Colurso | mcolurso@al.com,
al,
4 Apr. 2023
-
The Republican and right-wing reaction is just insane.—
Michael Tomasky,
The New Republic,
31 Mar. 2023
Adjective
-
Regular nail maintenance not only protects your surfaces but also your skin from their playful scratches.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Photo: Nadav Kander for New York Magazine What Chained for Life did through its playful deconstruction of exploitation movies, A Different Man does in more structural ways.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to devilish
Thesaurus Entries Near devilish
Cite this Entry
“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilish. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share