hellion

noun

ˈhel-yən How to pronounce hellion (audio)
Definition of hellionnext
as in monkey
an appealingly mischievous person the little hellions were tearing through the house squirting their water pistols

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 hellion Because this was opening night of the Eras concert film, and nothing could have stopped the rowdy hellions in this crowd from singing, screaming, sobbing. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2023 Aside from Kiri, the most interesting of the children is Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), the second-oldest son who is both kind of a hellion and desperate for his father’s approval. — Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2022 While a talented man, a hellion in his youth, and a shrewd negotiator, perhaps Herb’s greatest contribution was in golf. — Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 29 Sep. 2022 After a long walk in the woods, Honda’s luxury brand has returned to its sporty roots and brought back its famed entry-level hellion for the compact luxury segment. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, 3 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for hellion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hellion
  1. monkey
  2. devil
  3. brat
  4. imp
  5. rascal
Noun
  • At the University of Mississippi, a video went viral of a Black woman surrounded by white students and the white students mimicking ape-like motions toward the woman and making monkey-like calls.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those born during the year of the monkey can place a flag or paper decorated with the monkey symbol on or around a sacred structure inside the temple hall.
    — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of monkey
Noun
  • In January, Watts was a guest on actor Rainn Wilson’s podcast, where Watts played devil’s advocate to Wilson’s skeptic about casual use of mind-altering substances.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of devil
Noun
  • Chamberlain was a Navy brat from the Midwest, who left the service to become a hairdresser in Chicago but was drawn with an intense magnetism toward the School of the Art Institute.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Franklin had a reputation as one of the feistiest juniors in the country, a brat with a big ego and a big mouth.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of brat
Noun
  • At her very best, Emily behaves like a petulant pre-adolescent spoiled imp.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Mykal-Michelle Harris from Raven’s Home guest-stars as Ruby, a mischievous moon imp who tricks Vee.
    — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of imp
Noun
  • Even though the Feeneys have gotten more competitive under the junior Michel’s management, the rascal-on-the-field ethos of the original team still prevails.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Not even the curmudgeonly Melvin can bring himself to harm the little rascal.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of rascal

Browse Nearby Words

hellholes
hellion
hellions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hellion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hellion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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