eviler or eviller; evilest or evillest
1
2
a
archaic
: inferior
b
: causing discomfort or repulsion : offensive
an evil odor
c
: disagreeable
woke late and in an evil temper
3
a
: causing harm : pernicious
the evil institution of slavery
b
: marked by misfortune : unlucky
1
a
: the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing
b
: a cosmic evil force
2
: something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity
archaic
: in an evil manner
Synonyms
Examples of evil in a Sentence
Adjective
She drank an evil potion.
The city has fallen on evil days.
It was an evil omen.
Noun
the battle of good versus evil
our free will allows us to choose between good and evil
Recent Examples on the Web
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
In defense of my actions, as a general rule, mother-of-the-bride dresses are evil monstrosities.
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025
Sara Merican, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
However, Orlok is secretly an agent of evil who haunts Hutter’s new wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) into lustful submission.
—Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for evil 
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Adjective
One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
In defense of my actions, as a general rule, mother-of-the-bride dresses are evil monstrosities.
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
In a tense confrontation between traditional tracking techniques and state-of-the-art technology, the police and criminals engage in a battle of wits, setting the stage for a cat-and-mouse showdown between good and evil.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
However, Orlok is secretly an agent of evil who haunts Hutter’s new wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) into lustful submission.
—Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for evil
Dictionary Entries Near evil
Cite this Entry
“Evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evil. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
evil
2 of 2 noun1
: something that brings sorrow, trouble, or destruction
2
: the fact of suffering or wrongdoing
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