devilish
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for devilish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Wicked or mischievous in a way that recalls the devil.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Wicked or mischievous in a way that recalls the devil.
“He gave a devilish grin before revealing the prank.”
Opposites
2. adv
Extremely; used to intensify an adjective (informal, somewhat dated).
“It was a devilish hard exam, harder than anyone expected.”
How to use devilish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a devilish grin
devilish charm
devilish trick
Etymology
From Middle English develissh, formed from devil plus the adjective-forming suffix -ish.
Full origin of devilish →Frequently asked questions
What does “devilish” mean?
The word “devilish” means wicked or mischievous in a way that recalls the devil. In plain terms, wicked, mischievous, or fiendishly clever, sometimes in an admiring way.
How do you pronounce “devilish”?
“Devilish” is pronounced DEH-vuh-lihsh (/ˈdɛvəlɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “devilish” in a sentence?
Here is “devilish” used in a sentence: “He gave a devilish grin before revealing the prank.”
What part of speech is “devilish”?
Depending on how it is used, “devilish” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “devilish” come from?
The word “devilish” comes from Middle English. From Middle English develissh, formed from devil plus the adjective-forming suffix -ish.
How many meanings does “devilish” have?
“Devilish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wicked or mischievous in a way that recalls the devil.
