fiendish

adjective

fiend·ish ˈfēn-dish

Synonyms of fiendish

: perversely diabolical

took a fiendish pleasure in hurting people

: extremely cruel or wicked

: excessively bad, unpleasant, or difficult

fiendish weather

fiendishly adverb

fiendishness noun

Examples of fiendish in a Sentence

He takes a fiendish delight in hurting people. a fiendish delight in playing cruel tricks

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

That superlative in this cult classic goes to Tim Curry, who's delightfully fiendish as the devilishly monstrous Darkness. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 But far from celebrating or sanctifying the throwing off of English rule, the story’s shocking ending portrays the patriots as a fiendish mob, and casts doubt on the bedrock American faith in prosperity. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 Laurie will play Control, the fiendish and commanding head of The Circus, Smiley’s morally fickle superior, known only by his code name. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026 The Fiends & Hero framework can help reframe leadership development by recognizing and working with these fiendish voices. — Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fiendish

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of fiendish was in 1529

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

fiend

fiendish

fiendly

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fiendish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiendish. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

fiendish

adjective

Synonyms of fiendish

Examples of fiendish in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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