as in overly
beyond a normal or acceptable limit
a devilishly clever scheme to make money
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Recent Examples of devilishly
The solid dramatic framework that Gyllenhaal establishes drives events onward with relentless force, and her film is devilishly clever in its fusion of gothic horror and film-noir tropes.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
In one of the most deal-ridden and far too often contrived places on the globe, Steny was straightforward, smart, wise, direct, honest on the real odds about anything and everything, and blessed with a sense of humor that, if saintly in purpose, was devilishly clever in delivery.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
Docket’s famous chickpea chips starter is devilishly addictive, and the chef’s counter puts guests even closer to the creations.
—James March, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
But his greatest gay baddie is the infamous Bruno (Robert Walker) in Strangers on a Train — a devilishly charming chap who, like so many other homosexuals, has a penchant for plans and schemes.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
The devilishly opulent piano bar–supper club provided a picture-perfect backdrop for guests like Taylor Hill, Alton Mason, Lila Moss and Coco Rocha, all naturally dressed to the nines.
—Alex Catarinella, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Where others shrink from its narrow turns, devilishly abrasive surface and punishing length, Gordon embraced Darlington.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2025
These photos aren’t swaying anybody, no matter how devilishly handsome Ryan Gosling looks.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025
Phrases now feel perversely sentient and yet devilishly wrong.
—Prageeta Sharma, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
In one of the most deal-ridden and far too often contrived places on the globe, Steny was straightforward, smart, wise, direct, honest on the real odds about anything and everything, and blessed with a sense of humor that, if saintly in purpose, was devilishly clever in delivery.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
Docket’s famous chickpea chips starter is devilishly addictive, and the chef’s counter puts guests even closer to the creations.
—James March, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
But his greatest gay baddie is the infamous Bruno (Robert Walker) in Strangers on a Train — a devilishly charming chap who, like so many other homosexuals, has a penchant for plans and schemes.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
The devilishly opulent piano bar–supper club provided a picture-perfect backdrop for guests like Taylor Hill, Alton Mason, Lila Moss and Coco Rocha, all naturally dressed to the nines.
—Alex Catarinella, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Where others shrink from its narrow turns, devilishly abrasive surface and punishing length, Gordon embraced Darlington.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2025
These photos aren’t swaying anybody, no matter how devilishly handsome Ryan Gosling looks.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025
Phrases now feel perversely sentient and yet devilishly wrong.
—Prageeta Sharma, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devilishly
Adverb
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The chain’s coordinator, Melissa Soriano, blamed poor reviews on overly critical inspectors looking to find fault.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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If Taillon and Boyd are back, Cabrera is solid and Cade Horton continues to look like an ace, no one should be overly concerned that the Cubs couldn’t sweep two bad teams to start the season.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Yet a Miami Herald investigation shows that Florida’s Department of Children and Families too often does just the opposite.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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This seafood had been too warm for multiple days.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devilishly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devilishly. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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